What are the benefits of participating in the Washington DC Placement Program?

If selected as a participant you will:

» Gain invaluable international experience
» Learn about the intricacies of American business, culture and politics
» Network with business leaders, government officials and students from all over the world
» Receive credit towards your degree at Sydney
» Complement your studies through a professional placement in a top organisation

What is the main difference between the Washington DC Placement Program and the LA Placement Program?

Whilst both programs involve the same model i.e. three units of study and a professional placement, the LA program has been designed specifically for senior business students preparing to enter to the workforce.

The units of study will not only equip you with the leadership skills to give you a competitive advantage in the workforce but an in-depth understanding of the complexities of American business.

Who organises the program?

The LA Placement Program is a joint initiative of the University of Sydney Business School and the United States Studies Centre. The Business School will manage the administration of the program in association with the US Studies Centre.

Do I get to pick my units of study?

The curriculum for the LA Placement Program has been customised to equip senior business students with the best possible knowledge, skills and experience to successfully transition into the workforce. All three subjects are compulsory and include: Doing Business in the U.S., Leadership Communication and Strategies and LA Placement Program unit.

Why are the courses offered by UCLA Extension?

Whilst the courses are offered through UCLA Extension, all courses have been approved by the UCLA Anderson School of Management. The units of study have been organised through UCLA Extension, as UCLA does not offer business courses for undergraduate students. In the US, business is usually taught on a graduate level, and in order to create subjects that are suitable and relevant for senior Business School students, the courses have been organised by UCLA Extension. Both courses have been approved by the Anderson School of Management and will include guest lectures by Anderson academics. All courses will be taught on the UCLA campus.

How much credit will I receive towards my degree?

Upon successful completion of all three units of study, you will receive a total of 18 credit points towards your degree at Sydney, 12 of these credit points will be external credit (it will sit on top of your transcript as "Credit from an external institution")

When and where will my classes be taught?

All classes will be in the evening from Monday to Thursday, and will be taught on the UCLA campus.

Will I be studying with UCLA students?

Yes, both of the UCLA Extension classes will be open to UCLA students, and University of Southern California (USC) students.

Why is the program one-week less than the Washington DC Placement Program?

In order to avoid you missing the first week of semester one at the University of Sydney, the program will conclude one-week earlier than the Washington DC Placement Program. This is achievable because the LA Placement Program has been customised to fit within the University of Sydney summer break. The Washington DC Placement Program is part of a regular academic quarter session and hence students must complete at least nine of the ten-week program.

How long is the placement?

The placement will occur over a period of eight weeks. You will attend four days a week, Monday to Thursday. Hours per week will be determined by the host organisation and will be agreed to prior to commencement of the professional placement.

How is my placement organised?

You will need to preference up to four placements once you have been accepted on the program. As far as possible, the Business School will allocate placements according to a student's educational background and interests. However, this is dependent on availability and it is not possible to guarantee that a student's role will be directly related to their particular area of study.

What kind of organisation would I be working for?

Placements are available in business, government, and think tanks.

What do I do during my placement?

Tasks will be agreed to at the outset of the placement and will vary between organisations.

Will I be assigned tasks or to a department specifically related to my degree?

Not necessarily. However, the placement should be considered as an opportunity to expand your knowledge and learn new skills.

Do I get paid for my placement?

No. All placements are unpaid, as the F-1 visa does not permit paid work for students.

Can I receive academic credit for my placement?

Yes. The placements is a significant component of the compulsory unit of study BUSS2501 LA Placement Program, which upon successful completion will be credited towards your degree.

What should I do to prepare for the placement?

Attend the compulsory pre-departure sessions at the US Studies Centre. Students should also undertake independent research about American culture, traditions and customs, local weather and conversion rates. Upon being notified of your placement, you should conduct research about the organisation.

What should I do if I encounter problems during my placement?

You should consult with your BUSS2501 unit of study coordinator who will be available from the outset of the program and will be residing at the Palazzo Westwood for the duration of the program.

I am not a student of the University of Sydney Business School. Am I still eligible to apply for the Placement Program?

No. The LA Placement Program is exclusively offered to students completing a degree (including combined degrees) in the University of Sydney Business School.

What is the selection criteria?

See the who should apply section.

Can the units of study be credited towards my major?

No. Units of study can only be credited towards the elective component of your degree. If you've already completed all of your elective units, you may still be able to complete the program and have the credit you receive count as additional electives towards your degree.

I am an international student. Am I still eligible to apply?

International students can apply but should refer to the Embassy of the United States to clarify specific visa requirements before applying for the program.

How do I apply?

To apply follow the steps listed in the how to apply section. Applications will only be received via the online form. Applications close 9 October 2012. No late submissions will be accepted.

What documents do I need to prepare to apply?

Details of supporting documents can be found in the how to apply section.

What is an academic reference?

Your academic referee should be a lecturer, tutor etc. who has taught you in the last two years. They should be able to refer to your capacity to meet assignment deadlines, the quality of work submitted, your level of participation in class discussions, how you work with others and on your own, and your motivation and self-discipline.

What is a non-academic reference?

Your non-academic referee should be someone who knows you and your character well (often also called a 'character reference'). It should not be written by a family member. The reference should refer to how long the person has known you and in what capacity. They may wish to refer to your potential, skills, abilities and strengths and accomplishments, but most importantly they should refer to your character, reliability and level of commitment.

Will I be disadvantaged if I am not able to obtain reference letters by the application deadline?

No. You will not be disadvantaged as long as you provide full contact details of two relevant referees that are happy to be contacted by the Business School, if required.

When is the deadline for all applications?

The application deadline is by close of business on Wednesday 9 October 2012. Applicants are strongly urged to submit applications without delay to avoid disappointment.

When will I be notified if my application is successful?

All applicants will be notified if they have been successful in progressing to the interview round on 11 October 2012.

Is accommodation provided for the entire duration of the program?

Yes. Student accommodation will be provided at the Palazzo Westwood Village apartments, which are just off the UCLA main campus.

Do I have to stay in the accommodation provided?

Yes. All students must stay in the accommodation provided at the Palazzo Westwood apartments. This is a requirement of the course. Students are not permitted to stay with family or friends or to otherwise arrange their own accommodation under any circumstances.

Will I have access to UCLA facilities even though I won???t be living on campus?

Yes, you all participants will have access to the UCLA Library, Sunset Canyon Recreation Center and the John Wooden Center. For more details, see the accommodation section.

What facilities will I have access to at the Palazzo Westwood?

A full list of facilities is available in the accommodation section.

What is the closing date for the payment of fees?

Full fee payment is due by close of business on 30 November 2012.

What do the fees cover?

The program fees cover the costs for all three units of study (including the placement component), accommodation and use of facilities. Students are also liable for additional costs including: visa processing and lodgement, return airfares, travel insurance, food and entertainment and any other associated costs.

How do I pay my program fees?

Payments can be made by credit card (Mastercard or Visa only) or by cheque or money order made payable to the University of Sydney. To make a credit card payment, please complete a credit card authorisation form. To make payment by cheque or money order, please submit your cheque or money order with a covering letter outlining the details of the payment. Please write your name and University of Sydney student number on the back of any cheque or money order submitted for payment.

Can I use FEE-HELP to defer payment of the unit of study fees?

Eligible local students can elect to defer their fees for the BUSS2501 LA Placement Program unit only, through the Australian Government's FEE-HELP scheme. See the fees section for more information.

Can I cancel my application?

Yes you can. Please refer to the refund policy for further details.

How do I cancel my application?

Applications to withdraw from the LA Placement Program must be received in writing and lodged with the University of Sydney Business School Careers and Employer Relations Office. Please refer to the refund policy for further details.

Will I get a refund of all of my tuition fees?

Please refer to the refund policy for further details.

Do I need to submit a separate application to be considered for a scholarship?

A separate application is not required. Students should complete the field on the application entry form relating specifically to scholarships. Scholarship recipients will be selected based on merit, personal qualities (as demonstrated in their application) and financial need.

Will any full scholarships be offered?

Only partial scholarships will be offered. Before applying to the program, students should ensure that they have the financial means to support themselves for the duration of the program.

When will I be notified if I'm successful in acquiring a scholarship?

Successful applicants will be notified by the United States Studies Centre as soon as the scholarships package is finalised.