<p>My child is thinking about studying abroad in Australia for junior year. We are looking at programs at University of New South Wales and University of Sydney. Can anyone give me any information regarding the two of these schools, - strengths, weaknesses, etc. I hope I spelled the Universities correctly, she just gave me the names over the phone. Thank you so much in advance.</p>
<p>I am studying abroad at UNSW next year, and I've heard positive things about it. Apparently it's a large school about 20 min away from downtown Sydney (an amazing city by the way) and I hear it offers lots of different class options. I think both universities are highly regarded in Australia, but I dont know enough specifics about them. If you find out anymore valuable information, let me know!!</p>
<p>Sydney native here. I attended Macquarie University in Sydney in the 70s. If I were an American student considering study abroad in Sydney today, I would think that any of the three major universities in Sydney (UNSW, Sydney, or Macquarie) would be fine. UNSW probably has the most international sts. Sydney Uni is the oldest (19th century architecture) and most prestigous. Macquarie's courses are set up in semesters with a credit basis, so that is the academic system that most American students are familiar with. All three welcome American students on study abroad, but my bias leads me to believe that Macquarie does it best!</p>
<p>Have junior at Rice - presently at University of Queensland doing 2nd semester junior year abroad. It has been a great experience. Has had chance to meet a tremendous amount of new people (Ausies, students from other schools in the states & international students). Has found classes to be interesting & credit transfers back to Rice. Has also traveled extensively - so all in all has been a great experience. Would absolutely recomend it. Also has friends from US at other schools in both Sydney & Melbourne who seem to be quite happy - although the weather in Brisbane is nicer. You can PM me if I can offer additional info.</p>
<p>Im not sure if you still need advice or not but thought someone may. </p>
<p>Sydney - older campus with sandstone buildings. Set in a boheim/trendy/cafe area about 5 min bus ride to centre of sydney. Has a reputation for being more political/hippy as well as having a preppy scene. </p>
<p>UNSW - my uni so i am biased heh. Modern campus set 10min bus ride from sydney. Close to beaches (sometimes kids come to class in boardshorts). Has a great set up and support network for international students. </p>
<p>Both these uni's are elite however have strengths in different departments so it may depend on what you are studying to what the strengths/weaknesses are. Sydney is more arts orientated while UNSW is more science/commerce. However both uni's are quite strong and have large choices of subjects so i doubt any subject would be a neglected area. </p>
<p>Travis if you are on this site feel free to PM me if you want a contact at uni. UNSW has a aussie mate program so i may meet you anyway. </p>
<p>Sorry about my spelling. I am half asleep today.</p>
<p>ps: the weather in brisbane is nicer if you dont mind the heat. Sydney is cooler and then melbourne is cooler again.</p>
<p>I'm not sure if your exclusively interested in Sydney Universities. Just thought I would add that Univ of Melbourne, Monash Univ and Australian National Univ are also great Universities. Alongside with the aforementioned Sydney Universities I would think these to be the best in our Nation, imo. Cheers.</p>