The International College of Management - Sydney in Australia

Check here if you are interested in the Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia Fall, Spring or Academic Year program.

Fall: 14 wks (September to December)
Spring: 14 wks (February to May)
Academic Year

Sponsored by the School of Hospitality Business in the Eli Broad College of Business

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

The International College of Management Sydney (ICMS), in association with Macquarie University, Sydney, offers an exciting location for those students wishing to undertake a study abroad program. Not only can students study in one of Sydney’s most beautiful locations overlooking Manly Beach and Sydney Harbor, but the comprehensive academic and social programs available to participants will ensure that all students embrace the Australian lifestyle and learn about the Australian and global tourism industry.

Where does it take place?

Approximately the same size as the continental United States, Australia has a population of over 20 million people - most of who live in the large coastal cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. 

Sydney is the country’s largest city with a population of approximately four million.  It is the capital of the State of New South Wales and covers an area of 700 square miles from Botany Bay to the national park in the north. It offers a pleasant environment bordered on one side by the ocean, beach, surf and a fantastic harbor. 

Situated on Sydney Harbor’s North Head overlooking Manly Beach and the Pacific Ocean, the International College of Management Sydney (ICMS) is the largest private residential tourism college in the Southern Hemisphere. The College is housed in one of Sydney’s most significant heritage buildings and is located on 20 hectares of national parkland. Manly Beach is a 5-minute walk from the College doorstep and Sydney’s city center is 15 minutes from the Manly Wharf by fast ferry. 

What can I study?

This program is designed for Hospitality Business majors.

Students will attend regular ICMS classes with Australian students and will be required to enroll for a minimum of twelve (12) credit points. Most units at ICMS are valued at either three or four credit points, which equate to approximately 12 and 16 hours of study per unit per week. Extensive listings of subjects are available at ICMS and include the following areas:

For specific course listings visit their web site.

Business courses will be considered transfer credit and will not be computed into your MSU GPA with the exception of accounting. For a detailed list of business course equivalencies at MSU visit transfer.msu.edu.

Orientation involves a week packed full of essential information on studying at ICMS and life in Sydney. There are day trips and tours to Sydney and Manly attractions. 

ICMS also organizes many extra-curricular activities including musical events at the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbor cruises, local sporting events and other field trips.

Course prerequisites may apply; see Course Descriptions (on the MSU Website) or program leader for details.

What are the requirements?

MSU students majoring in Hospitality Business are eligible to apply.

All students must have at least sophomore status and be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.75 at the time of application.  

Students must also submit an essay with their application indicating their interest in the program and what particular aspects of Australia appeal to them.  Essays should demonstrate the applicant’s understanding and ability to manage cultural differences as well as their maturity in being an ambassador for MSU and the college they represent. 

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

Single room on-campus accommodations are available to students. All bedrooms are provided with linen and bath towels and are equipped with study facilities, heating and telephones.  Each residential floor is outfitted with common bathrooms and a kitchenette.  Coin operation washing machines and dryers are also available. 

For more information about accommodations at the International College of Management - Sydney visit their web site.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Hospitality Business majors:
Jan Van Lente
The School of Hospitality Business
232 Eppley Center
Phone: (517) 353-9211

On site issues:
Sandy Tupper
Office of Study Abroad
109 International Center
Phone: (517) 432-4341

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States.  If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date.  If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of eight to ten weeks is usually required for processing.  During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required.  Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices.  They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the web page.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose.  The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early.   It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.  If you are not a U.S. citizen, consult the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their document requirements.

Australia requires a student visa.  Students can obtain their visa by applying directly to the Australian consulate with instructions provided by the Office of Study Abroad.  During the first pre-departure orientation, students will be informed of all requirements needed to obtain this visa. 

For more information about visas visit the web page.

If you will be staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the consulate(s) of your host country(ies) for advice on visas.

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

For further health information and recommendations visit the "Health Issues" section of the Student Handbook.

How much does it cost?

The program fee for Spring 2010 is $8,839 and includes the following:

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

These additional costs are estimated at $9,290 (SS '10).  Students may request a cost sheet which lists both the program fee and an estimate of additional expenses by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee. 

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid. 

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing.  This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

If you are a non-MSU student, please request financial aid from your home university.  If your university is unable to award you financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad to apply for loans only and you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA Scholarships.   Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need.  Requirements are listed in the scholarship application.  The deadlines to apply for these scholarships are March 1st for summer, academic year and fall semester programs, and October 15th for winter break and spring semester programs.  

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

How do I apply?

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by October 15th for winter break and spring semester programs and by March 1st for summer, fall and academic year programs.  We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to these deadlines. 

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year.  Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required.  Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program.  Students who have accepted admission may also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter.

What's next?
Come to a study abroad fair
Talk with a Peer Adviser
Read program evaluations
Attend an info meeting
Apply online
Additional Resources...
Office of Financial Aid	252 Student Services http://www.finaid.msu.edu
MSU Travel Clinic	East Circle Drive http://travelclinic.msu.edu
Academic Advisers	http://www.msu.edu/common/academic/units.html
Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities	120 Bessey Hall http://www.rcpd.msu.edu
Area Studies Centers	International Center http://www.isp.msu.edu
MSU Global Access	Information about the world -- its regions and peoples and important international issues International Center http://www.msuglobalaccess.net/
OSA contact info:	Office of Study Abroad Michigan State University 109 International Center East Lansing, MI 48824-1035 Phone: (517) 353-8920 Fax: (517) 432-2082 Email: studyabroad@osa.msu.edu