Sydney - Orientation

API students will begin their program with a 2.5-day arrival orientation in their host city of Sydney. This orientation will provide the opportunity to get to know fellow participants, API and university procedures and rules, and to explore the new host city to allow for a smoother transition into Australian life. Students will spend two nights together in a hotel before moving into their semester housing on day three.

AFL (Australian Football League) Game

AFL (Australian football) is unlike any other sport in the world. Originating in Victoria, it has spread around the country over the last hundred years. Enjoy your first AFL game at The Sydney Cricket Ground.

Cairns

Students fly to Cairns for a three night adventure. Activities include a whole day out on the Great Barrier Reef, an Aboriginal cultural experience, a wildlife experience with a Koala photo included, and a visit to the world’s oldest rainforest!

Aussie Pub Trivia

A mainstay of Australian culture is the mid-week trivia contest (usually with cheap pub meals). “Humpday” can be a downer, but nothing perks you back up for the last leg of the working week like some Q&A action and a counter meal. Join in the fun by showing off your random knowledge and maybe winning a meat tray or a pack of Tim Tams!

Blue Mountains and Featherdale Wildlife Park Tour

This excursion provides students the opportunity to get up close and personal with native Australian wildlife, like koalas, kangaroos, wombats, dingoes and native birds. The group will then head to the iconic Blue Mountains to see the renownedThree Sisters and Echo Point. The visit will conclude with a ferry ride home to central Sydney.

Royal National Park

A day trip to Royal National Park in Sydney’s south will offer plenty of opportunities for barbecues, fishing, bushwalking, birdwatching and whale watching. Sydney’s heritage-listed Royal National Park is affectionately known to locals as the ‘Nasho’ or just ‘the Royal’. Established in 1879, it’s the world’s second-oldest national park. It features unique heritage attractions, along with fascinating plants, birds, and animals. Perfect for bushwalking, cycling, surfing, picnicking or whale watching, this diverse park offers everything from beaches to rainforest.

Manly Surfing

This one day surf adventure will include a morning and afternoon lesson with a total of four hours of surfing at one of the best beaches for learning how to surf that Sydney has to offer. All equipment will be provided. Students will learn ocean safety and etiquette, ocean and wave positioning, paddling and catching waves, control, standing up and riding waves. This excursion is a great way to get into surfing or, for more experienced students, to take their surfing to the next level.

World Famous Comedy Store Showcase

The best way to get to know Australian culture is through their unique sense of humor. Since 1981, Australia’s premier comedy club, The Comedy Store has been the one stop shop for world-class comedy from all over the globe and your own backyard. The Comedy Store presents The World Famous Comedy Store Showcase, a hand-picked showcase of the movers, shakers & laughter makers of the comedy scene – 100% Comedy Store approved, tried and tested. Don’t miss out! Loads of comics of different styles, unquestionable quality and guaranteed value for money at Sydney’s premier comedy venue! The best thing about these shows is you never know who might show up!

Sydney - Orientation

API students will begin their program with a 2.5-day arrival orientation in their host city of Sydney. This orientation will provide the opportunity to get to know fellow participants, API and university procedures and rules, and to explore the new host city to allow for a smoother transition into Australian life. Students will spend two nights together in a hotel before moving into their semester housing on day three.

AFL (Australian Football League) Game

AFL (Australian football) is unlike any other sport in the world. Originating in Victoria, it has spread around the country over the last hundred years. Enjoy your first AFL game at The Sydney Cricket Ground.

Cairns

Students fly to Cairns for a three night adventure. Activities include a whole day out on the Great Barrier Reef, an Aboriginal cultural experience, a wildlife experience with a Koala photo included, and a visit to the world’s oldest rainforest!

Blue Mountains and Featherdale Wildlife Park Tour

This excursion provides students the opportunity to get up close and personal with native Australian wildlife, like koalas, kangaroos, wombats, dingoes and native birds. The group will then head to the iconic Blue Mountains to see the renownedThree Sisters and Echo Point. The visit will conclude with a ferry ride home to central Sydney.

Manly Surfing

This one day surf adventure will include a morning and afternoon lesson with a total of four hours of surfing at one of the best beaches for learning how to surf that Sydney has to offer. All equipment will be provided. Students will learn ocean safety and etiquette, ocean and wave positioning, paddling and catching waves, control, standing up and riding waves. This excursion is a great way to get into surfing or, for more experienced students, to take their surfing to the next level.

Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb

This excursion begins at the Climb Base at The Rocks with a safety session. Following the lesson, the group will embark on the bridge climb, which typically takes approximately 3.5 hours. It is well worth the effort, as the summit provides an incredible, unobstructed 360 degree view of Sydney.