Keep it cool (literally and figuratively) for a summer in laid-back "Newy"
Escape the heat of the summer for a month of Australian "winter" in a refreshingly cool setting. Newcastle, affectionately called "Newy," is the epitome of Australia: laid-back, fun-loving, and adventurous. With a population of about 550,000, Newcastle is the perfect size to get your fill of arts and entertainment. Exceptional public transportation provides easy access to the scenic coast, national parks, Hunter Valley, Lake Macquarie, and so much more. A top global university, Newcastle is situated on an ecologically sustainable "bushland" campus and is a leader in climate action. Summer courses include field trips, so you'll learn beyond the four walls of a classroom.
What to Expect
Language(s):
English
Average Courseload:
1 Course (3 U.S. Credits)
GPA Requirement:
2.50
Visa Requirement:
NONE Required!
Highlights:
Study at a top-ranked university, listed in the world’s top 200 universities
Support a green campus, ranked top five in the world for Partnering for a Sustainable Future and 16th in the world for climate action
Trade the summer heat for Australia's refreshingly cool "winter"
Enjoy easy access to the beaches, rainforests, mountains, and national parks
Immerse in the Aussie way of life with a laid-back and friendly campus and city
Learn More About This and Other Programs
Program Details
University of Newcastle
In only about 50 years, the University of Newcastle has established itself as a world-class institution that ranks near the top. The University combines academic prestige with a stunning spot on the central coast of Australia. It's an ideal choice for students looking for a challenging academic experience in a smaller city.
The University of Newcastle offers a selection of courses that rival any university. You might be impressed by its top-ranked STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math). Or you might be drawn to its business school, which holds accreditation by the AACSB. Finally, you can take excellent courses in a range of topics, including health and social sciences, architecture and design, and education.
If you're looking for a spectacular setting, the checklist continues: the main campus, Callaghan, is set on 345 acres of beautiful, natural bushland. The University has gained international recognition for practicing ecologically sustainable principles. Australians regard the University as one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. Or, hop on the campus shuttle for a quick ride into the action in Newcastle's central business district (CBD). And, you'll never be too far from surf, beaches, waterways, parks, and forests.
The campus at the University of Newcastle includes state-of-the-art buildings and other facilities. You'll enjoy a full gym, an indoor heated pool, aerobic studios, and the second highest climbing wall in Australia. Social and cultural events on campus are so popular that they attract residents from Newcastle unaffiliated with the University.
Newcastle's student population is just under 27,000 and includes some 6,000 international students from 80-plus countries. The support services are exceptional. You'll easily integrate into campus life by joining any of the 100 campus-based sport or social clubs.
Accredited by The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations of Australia; Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
All CIS Abroad returning transcripts from institutions in Australia are completely digital. This will mean no physical copies of transcripts will be mailed for this program.
Areas of study with 1 to 2 classes available
Business
Health
Natural & Applied Sciences
Social Sciences
Life in Newcastle
Newcastle is a lively port city on a breathtaking stretch of Australia's coastline. The city has wonderful beaches for surfing and swimming, a low cost of living, a very favorable climate, and a casual lifestyle. You'll find miles of walking paths along the stunning coast, where spotting a dolphin or whale is common. Located in the same state as Sydney (2.5 hours away by train), you'll have easy access to explore another of the country's most impressive cities - and beyond.
The Lonely Planet named Newcastle a top ten city in the world in the Best in Travel Guide in 2011. With a population of 550,000, Newcastle offers all the usual city comforts, such as restaurants, cafés, parks and gardens, theaters, art galleries, shopping centers, and nightclubs. At the same time, it retains the charms of a smaller beach community. The city's heritage as a coal port is still evident, but over the past few decades Newcastle has become a thriving, sophisticated city know for its relaxed, coastal lifestyle. The University of Newcastle has played a large role in this transformation.
A few miles south of the city is Australia's largest seaboard lake, Lake Macquarie, scene of many national and international sailing events. Less than an hour's drive north is the impressive harbor of Port Stephens, a popular center for big-game fishing, sailing, surfing, and windsurfing. To the west are the internationally famous wineries of the Hunter Valley, many of them more than a century old. And to the south are the beautiful beaches of the Central Coast. The oceanic climate of the region offers warm summers and mild winters. It’s no wonder Newcastle is a popular destination for study abroad students!
Live the Local Life
Farmers' markets
Newcastle loves a good weekend market. There's at least one every weekend - check them out for great vibes and fresh produce.
Sports events
The University has a bunch of social sport teams to join if you want to keep active. Attend a professional rugby or soccer game in the city to see Newcastle turn out to support its local athletes and feel the atmosphere!
Dance and yoga classes
Yoga is huge in Newcastle. Find one of our dance or yoga studios and roll out your mat!
Café culture
Australians take their coffee seriously, and Newcastle is a prime example. Go on a local café crawl to find all the hidden gems - ask onsite staff for their tips!
Sand dune surfing in Stockton
An experience not to be missed. If sand surfing isn't your thing, try one of the 4WD safaris, or take a ride on a camel.
Dolphin-watching in Nelson Bay
With over 140 Bottlenose Dolphins calling Port Stephens home, it's no wonder these friendly locals are sighted so often.
Summer in Australia - Newcastle
Location
Enjoy a quiet yet central location in Hamilton, just outside central Newcastle. Rooms are shared, with twin beds and an ensuite bathroom. There are communal kitchen facilities, laundry, and common areas.
The off-campus dorms are located within walking distance of numerous shops, cafes, restaurants, and parks. Just a few minutes further afoot, you'll find Newcastle's CBD (central business district - "downtown"), where your options for entertainment are considerable.
Australia's accessible public transportation system allows you to hop a public bus or train bound for beaches, sports complexes, or up or down the coast. The main University of Newcastle campus, Callaghan, is worth a short commute - its beautiful, parkland setting feeling like a world away from the city.
Program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the following:
CIS Abroad Aussie Orientation in Sydney
Full-time tuition and fees
Housing
Medical and accident insurance
Overseas Health Insurance (mandatory for any student studying in Australia)
CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
Academic advising
Financial aid counseling
Pre-departure orientation
Airport pickup
University of Newcastle orientation
On-site support
Internet connection
Student Guild fees
University of Newcastle official transcript
The Local Life cultural program
Welcome & Orientation
This program includes our awesome Aussie Orientation! You'll kick things off with a warm reception in Sydney, after which you'll settle into Newcastle. Once in Newy, you'll get familiar with University of Newcastle and surrounds, so you'll be well oriented by the time your classes start!
Farewell & Re-Entry Program
As the program draws to a close, you'll go home with the tools you need to make the most of your experience. We'll gather everybody together for a farewell meal. We'll help you reflect on your experience during your time abroad and prepare you for cultural differences you’ll experience as you return home (reverse culture shock is real!).
Program Excursions
While participating on a CIS Abroad program, you'll be able to take part in built-in day trips at no additional cost. These trips are subject to change from term to term; listed below are excursions that have run in the past.
Hunter Valley Wineries
Nestled in New South Wales, picturesque Hunter Valley is home to over 150 wineries and is renowned for its Semillon and Shiraz wines. During a tour, you'll learn about the winemaking process and sample local wines.
Surfing Lesson
Would you like to feel like a true Aussie? We thought you might mate! Enjoy a lesson with an instructor and have a fun time with your surfboard catching the waves. *Usually at the iconic Bondi Beach.
Aussie Orientation in Sydney - Summer
Your program will begin with a 3 day Aussie Orientation in Sydney where you'll meet other program participants, explore cultural icons, and complete Australia bucket list items. Explore The Rocks, visit the iconic Sydney Opera House, the Harbor Bridge, and take in the views of Darling Harbour, Bondi Beach, and Manly. We'll discuss program and behavioral expectations, touching on topics such as culture, slang, food, and where to go and what to do as you settle into your new home. You'll also get an orientation on your first day at University of Newcastle, so you should be pretty well adjusted by the time classes kick off!
Site Director
Seth Daily
Assistant Site Director in Newcastle, Australia
About:
Raised in a family that encouraged participation in every activity from baseball to marching band to martial arts (too many for healthy stress levels, in hindsight), I was enrolled in every school trip my parents could afford. That early exposure to overseas travel grew into a passion for new and different environments. After high school I followed a path of studies that took me from Los Angeles, where I was raised, through Switzerland to learn French, and finally landed me in Australia, where I now reside with a degree in business and political science. My journey has taught me that besides creating lifetime friendships and unforgettable memories, travel to new cultures brings out our deepest empathy as we see the world from others' point of view. When more people can have that experience, it's a step towards making the world a better place.
Travel Tip:
Making friends is key. The first thing I do when I get to a new place is find events that are going on. Ask locals, join social media groups, pay attention to posters and signs. Then attend all of them.
Your Support Staff
Aubree Compton
Assistant Director of International Operations
Travel Tip:
Whenever exploring a new destination for a few days, find a quaint neighborhood cafe/pub and visit it more than once. Strike up a conversation with the workers and the local patrons. Ask them for their advice on can't miss places and exchange stories. Soon you'll have new local friends and a place you can call yours in a foreign city.
Kaylee Klinger
Communications & Alumni Relations Coordinator
Travel Tip:
The best travel tip I always share is, if possible try to catch a redeye flight. That has helped me tremendously fight jet-lag and it allows you more time to explore the extraordinary unfamiliar place!
Serenah Quiroga
Advising & Communications Coordinator
Travel Tip:
Always find a reason to talk to a local or someone you may not know. Whether it's a simple hello, compliment, or question, there is always something to learn from every person you meet. Some of my best experiences and favorite memories were formed because of these interactions.
Caroline Shea
Program Enrollment Coordinator & Team Assistant
Travel Tip:
Sign up for a class or activity that you have never done before and always wanted to! It is a great way to meet people with similar interests - fellow travelers and locals alike.