Location
Sydney, Auckland, Beijing, Australia, New Zealand, China
Program Description
IT Connect: Australia–NZ is your chance to take your tech skills global! Spend three unforgettable weeks in Australia and New Zealand, earning credit in CIS 330 – Database and CIS 498 – International Consulting while exploring two of the world’s most exciting destinations.
You’ll learn directly from JMU faculty, work on real-world consulting projects, and connect with local IT leaders and students. We’ll mix classroom time with site visits to top tech firms, giving you a first-hand look at innovation in action.
Outside of class, you’ll discover iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, the stunning Blue Mountains, and New Zealand’s vibrant Auckland and Rotorua. From city skylines to breathtaking natural wonders, you’ll experience the best of both worlds — professional growth and adventure.
Housing is on university campuses, making it easy to access classrooms, cafeterias, and local transport. No pre- or post-trip classes — all the learning (and fun) happens abroad!
Location Description
Located in North Ryde, a vibrant suburb just 30 minutes by train from the heart of Sydney, Macquarie University offers a modern, spacious campus surrounded by parklands and one of Australia’s largest business and technology precincts. Students will live in on-campus housing with easy access to classrooms, cafeterias, and public transport, providing a comfortable and convenient base for both academic work and cultural exploration.
Sydney, Australia’s largest city, is famous for its stunning harbor, iconic Sydney Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. While in Sydney, students will also have the opportunity to visit the Blue Mountains and explore coastal highlights such as Bondi Beach.
The program includes a multi-day visit to New Zealand, with planned activities in Auckland and Rotorua, offering students the chance to experience Maori culture, geothermal wonders, and unique landscapes. This combination of an academic base at Macquarie University and diverse excursions in two countries provides both a deep immersion in Australian daily life and a memorable introduction to New Zealand’s cultural and natural treasures.
Director
Ping Wang | wangpx@jmu.edu | CIS/BSAN
Carey Cole | colecb@jmu.edu | CIS/BSAN
Accommodations
Proposed Housing
Students will be housed in shared student apartments or on-campus dormitory-style units at or near Macquarie University in North Ryde, Sydney. Housing will be furnished and include shared bedrooms, internet access, and access to kitchen and laundry facilities to help manage meal and living costs. Locations will be within walking distance or a short commute to classrooms, cafeterias, and campus facilities, and connected to Sydney’s public transportation network for easy travel to city and excursion destinations.
During the overnight trip to New Zealand, students will stay in centrally located budget-friendly hotels or student residences with shared rooms and convenient access to planned cultural and professional activities.
Proposed Meal Plan
While at Macquarie University, students will have access to shared kitchen facilities in their housing and a variety of affordable on-campus cafeterias and nearby dining options. To help manage costs, the program may provide one or two group meals per day (such as breakfast and/or dinner), with students responsible for preparing or purchasing the remaining meals on their own.
During scheduled excursions and the overnight trip to New Zealand, select group meals (e.g., welcome dinners, cultural events, or excursion lunches) will be included in the program cost. Students should budget for additional meals at local cafes, restaurants, or through self-catering options.
Additional Items to Consider
Visas: U.S. citizens will apply for Australia’s eVisitor Visa (subclass 651), which is free of charge, and for New Zealand’s NZeTA along with the International Visitor Levy (IVL). The combined cost for the NZeTA and IVL is NZD 52–58 (approximately USD 32–36) depending on whether the application is made via mobile app or website. Both visa processes should be completed several weeks before departure. Students must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the program end date.
Housing: Students will be housed in shared student apartments or dormitory-style units at or near Macquarie University. Housing will be furnished and include internet, kitchen, and laundry access. During the New Zealand portion, accommodations will be in budget-friendly hotels or student residences with similar amenities.
Class Meetings: This program includes Zoom sessions prior to departure (3 days) and after return (2 days) in addition to in-person classes abroad to meet course contact-hour requirements.
Technology & Communication: Students should ensure their cell phones are unlocked for use with local SIM cards or arrange for an international calling/data plan before departure.
Health & Safety: Students must maintain CISI health insurance coverage through JMU for the program period and should be prepared for walking and light physical activity during excursions.
Spending Money: Beyond tuition and program fees, students should budget for personal expenses, additional meals, souvenirs, and optional activities.
Applicant Criteria
Open to Sophomore, Junior, and Senior CIS majors or minors
Students must meet the course prerequisites for CIS 330 – Database and CIS 498 – International Consulting prior to participation. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm eligibility and course sequencing with their academic advisor before applying to the program.
Application Process
This list serves as an application preview. To apply, students will need to complete the following:
- Study Abroad Online Application ($40 fee)
- Short Essay
- Information Session may be required
- Attendance with Program Director is required
- Unoffcial Transcript required
Further details and instructions about these application requirements will be available upon log-in.
Application Deadline
Dates
All dates are tentative and subject to change
Courses
CIS 330: Database Design and Applications (3 Credits)
CIS 498: International Consulting (3 credits)
Courses listed here are to be used as a general guideline for program curriculum. *All courses are considered pending until approved by the Academic Department, Program, and/or College.
Cost
Center for Global Engagement - Study Abroad
Holland Yates Hall (formerly Madison Hall)
MSC 5731
100 East Grace Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
MSC 5731
100 East Grace Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
