January in New York State, USA

Earn academic credit, explore New York, and embrace the traditional east coast USA lifestyle! Our 3 week January in New York State program allows you to earn credit through the esteemed private liberal arts school of Hartwick College.

Program Overview

Get ready for an unforgettable 3 weeks in the heart of the East Coast at Hartwick College, a prestigious private institution nestled in the scenic beauty of Oneonta, New York (pronounced OH-NEE-ON-TUH). Immerse yourself in the charm of a small, traditional, liberal arts university while enjoying an array of academic and recreational opportunities.

Discover Academic Excellence
At Hartwick College, you’ll have access to a diverse range of academic courses, allowing you to explore your passions in various disciplines. The college takes pride in offering small classes, with a student/faculty ratio of 10:1 – which is almost unprecedented in Australia. Embrace personalised attention and meaningful interactions with your professors. Engage in meaningful discussions, participate in hands-on learning, and create lasting memories in one of the most picturesque corners of the United States.

East Coast Elegance
Delight in the scenic beauty and relish in the cultural richness of the East Coast in the charming town of Oneonta, New York. With the nickname “City of the Hills”, Oneonta promises the peaceful charm of the Northeast with sprawling hills and beautiful forests of colourful trees. Hartwick College’s campus is surrounded by lush landscapes, providing the perfect backdrop for your New York State adventure.

Unparalleled Campus Experience
Hartwick College, founded in 1797, offers a small, close-knit campus environment where you’ll make friends easily. As a liberal arts university, almost 90% of the student population live on-campus, fostering a great community and lifetime connections. Enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, performance spaces, libraries, and recreational areas. Access multiple gyms, a pool, cafeteria, coffee shop, and more, ensuring you have everything you need for a fulfilling academic and social experience. In addition, Hartwick College boasts 19 NCAA Division III sporting teams, so it’s no wonder that almost a third of its students compete in university sports.

Diversity and Connection
Nestled in the heart of the East Coast, you’ll find yourself in a close-knit community that values diversity and inclusion. Oneonta is home to not just one but two institutions, Hartwick and the State University of New York (aka SUNY Oneonta). This creates a vibrant and dynamic academic atmosphere in a town with students from all over the world.

Proximity to Iconic Destinations
Oneonta, New York offers a central location that allows you to explore some of the most iconic destinations on the East Coast. The renowned National Baseball Hall of Fame, located in Cooperstown, is just a short drive away. Oneonta is also conveniently close to New York City. Included in your program fee, you will have the opportunity to visit NYC to explore the world-famous landmarks, diverse neighbourhoods, and rich cultural experiences of the Big Apple during your stay. For a more serene escape, Niagara Falls is also within a few hours from Hartwick, where you can witness Earth’s second largest waterfall!

Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and growth in New York State this January. Start getting excited for an enriching academic experience, exciting cultural excursions, a vibrant campus life, and the opportunity to create lifelong friendships. Your East Coast adventure begins here!

Highlights

Discover the best of New York State and immerse yourself in a transformative experience at Hartwick College. From cultural excursions to academic enrichment and exploring the picturesque surroundings, your January program is designed to be unforgettable.

  • Experience an unforgettable weekend in New York City! During your weekend excursion you get a chance to explore the delights of NYC – from the Statue of Liberty to New York style pizza, the Empire State, Time Square, Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge and more. There is so much to see and do in the Big Apple.
  • Meet students from around the world – create a lifelong network of like-minded and motivated friends.
  • Gain credit for an academic course of your choice that is available to full-time students during the academic year. You’ll be guided by world-class lecturers and professors, enjoying an enriching academic experience.
  • The rolling hills and picturesque landscapes of Oneonta make it a great place for outdoor activities such as skiing and snowboarding.
  • Optional ski trip to a resort in the Appalachian Mountains. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing (equipment hire and activities at own expense), or simply relax with a hot chocolate by the fire.
  • Experience the thrill of winter with an average daytime temperature of 4°C in January, perfect for snow-related activities.
  • Oneonta has its share of local legends and folklore, adding to the town’s unique character. One example is the famous “Oneonta Octagon House,” an architectural marvel shrouded in mystery.
  • The nearby town of Cooperstown is home to the renowned National Baseball Hall of Fame, making it an absolute must-visit for baseball enthusiasts.
  • Experience the best of both worlds, immersing yourself in traditional US small-town life while enjoying the exciting attractions of NYC. Whether you’re indulging in local festivals, exploring the arts, or trying out new restaurants, your adventure has it all.
  • Visit Albany, the capital of New York only 1.5 hours drive away. Albany’s huge Empire State Plaza has reflecting pools, an art-filled underground shopping concourse and The Egg, a striking performing arts centre. The plaza is bookended by the 1800s New York State Capitol and the New York State Museum, focusing on natural and cultural history.

Sample Itinerary

Week 1:

  • Check-In and Welcome Lunch/Dinner
  • On-Campus Orientation and Move In
  • Hartwick Campus Tour
  • Oneonta City Tour
  • Classes (Thurs, Fri)

Week 2:

  • Classes (Mon – Fri)
  • New York City 3 Day/2 Night Excursion

Week 3:

  • Classes (Mon – Fri)
  • On-Campus Activities/Cultural Excursion Opportunities

Week 4:

  • Classes (Mon – Fri)
  • Final Exam
  • Closing Ceremony with Lunch/Dinner

Choose Your Course

Hosted at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, this 3 week program offers students an exceptional educational experience with a personal touch. Hartwick College is dedicated to providing innovative programs of study, allowing students to explore specific areas of interest. The program attracts a growing community of international students who are keen to embark on enriching study abroad experiences.

During the program, students will have the opportunity to learn from distinguished professors who are leaders in their respective fields. The curriculum is designed to be dynamic, hands-on, and intensive, providing a well-rounded educational experience.

Course Offerings:

  • ART-213-1 – Introduction to Digtal Media*
  • ART-250-1 – Other Voices Print/Photo*
  • ART-250-2 – Ancient History of Modern Medi
  • ART-256-1 – Book Binding*
  • ECON-118-2 –  Economics of Sustainability
  • ENGL-384-1 – Contemporary Feminist Poetry
  • HIST-250-1 – Baseball and American Life
  • MUST-255-2 – Museums in Film
  • PHYS-129-1 – Physics of Everyday Objects
  • POSC-235-1 – US & China: Images & Politics
  • POSC-250-2 – US Policy and Community
  • POSC-296-1 – Health Policy and Politics
  • RELS-146-1 – Sacred Space in Ameria*
  • SOCI-150-1 – The Sociology of Popular Music

Course Load: Hartwick College follows the Middle States accreditation requirements. 1 course over 3 weeks, each equivalent to 3 US credits/37.5 contact hours or *4 US credits/50 contact hours. The January in NY State program fee includes 3 US credits course. If you choose a 4 US credit course, there will be an extra tuition fee of approximately AU$175, per course. Class timetables will be released closer to program start date.

  • Depending on your Australian university, “courses” may be referred to as “subjects” or “units”.
  • Each course/subject/unit you undertake on a CISaustralia program is designed to be a full-time, semester course that has been condensed to fit into an intensive, short-term program. As such, for any 1 course you study abroad, you should receive the credit points for 1 full-time course/subject/unit at your Australian university.
  • Many universities work off of a 1-for-1 equivalency (1 course abroad = 1 course in Australia), but ultimately credit approval is the decision of your faculty and Australian university.
  • CISaustralia strongly recommends that you have any overseas courses pre-approved for academic credit before you depart for your program. Some documentation that may be useful are the course outline/syllabus, program overview and the contact hours.
  • Although you will only take 1 course on the program, it is best to get multiple courses approved by your university before you go overseas. This gives you some flexibility in your schedule.
  • Please be aware that the courses listed above are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed year on year.
  • Your CISaustralia Program Advisor can assist with any questions or details your university needs to make a decision.

How to Choose Your Course: Now the fun part! As part of the application process you will be required to complete your CISaustralia Course Selections in your Student Portal. 

Academic Requirement: To qualify for this program, students must be in good academic standing with a GPA of 4.0 (out of 7) or equivalent. If your current GPA falls below the requirement, you may still be considered for the program but will need to be prepared to provide supporting documentation. Please contact us to discuss your situation if you are unsure of your eligibility. 

Note: If the minimum class size is not met, the class may not be offered. There is also a maximum number of students per class. Classes sizes differ per course. It’s a good idea to accept your program and choose your course(s) as early as possible. For more information, please contact your CISaustralia Program Advisor.

COURSE: ART256
CREDITS: 4 US Credits / 50 Contact Hours
OFFERED: January

This course will introduce students to the book arts as complete art objects that integrate visual and verbal content as well as narrative; but will focus primarily on skill building of various bookbinding techniques, tools and related terminology. Demonstrations of each technique (in-person and made available online) will be followed by an in-class study of form and function. Critical thought and discourse will occur during class and through reflective critique.

This course will provide students with an opportunity to explore technical skills and knowledge of book making to develop a work ethic based on time management and comprehension of the materials, participate in safe studio practices, and engage in the creative and critical approach of art making. Students will develop perseverance, exploration and problem-solving strategies.

Additional Course Fees: US$50 per credit materials fee and students will need to purchase a book binding kit for approx. US$30.

COURSE: ART213
CREDITS: 4 US Credits / 50 Contact Hours
OFFERED: January

Introduction to Digital Media (Digital Art & Design I) is an introductory digital media course that teaches 21st century skills in digital communication, digital technologies, Adobe software and design thinking. This course introduces four main aspects of digital media; image manipulation and design, motion graphics, Augmented Reality and 3D design (CAD). During the term students learn the basics concepts of graphic design & image editing through the use of Adobe Photoshop software. Students will create motion graphics utilizing Adobe Photoshop & Adobe Premiere and design 3D models using Tinkercad and Vectary.

Students learn how images are created through the use of composition and subject matter, and how context affects a viewer’s understanding of an image. The class considers Ai’s impact on digital media and design.

Students will explore how images affect viewers, truth vs perception and the creation of reality. Practical considerations include creating visual media for “real world” clients, and building a database of source imagery for use in future graphic design and art projects. Digital imagery, video, the web and social media are important devices for communication across all disciplines. The information obtained in this course will be invaluable for anyone who wishes to present information in a digital format. This course is a pre-req for all upper level digital art & design courses.

Studio Art fee USD$100 (USD$25 per credit)

COURSE: ART-250-1
CREDITS: 4 US Credits / 50 Contact Hours
OFFERED: January

Through this studio course students are introduced to both photography and printmaking processes while exploring the work of historical and contemporary imagemakers. “Other”  voices references the unique perspectives of artists who inhabit marginalized communities such as women of color or members of the LGBTQ community. A research project resulting in a short paper and a PowerPoint presentation will assist class members to understand historical trends and contemporary issues of art, as well as to define some of the unique aspects of the “democratic” mediums of printmaking and photography and how gender and cultural factors affect art-making. Photographic artists include Carrie Mae Weems, whose influential work comments on the African-American experience, and Mariette Pathy Allen who is unofficially referred to as the “official photographer of the transgender community.”  Printmakers include Cuban collographer Belkis Ayón and Native American art educator /political activist Jaune Quick–to–See Smith. Students will produce portfolios of their own images influenced by their research and new understanding. Sketchbook-journal assignments are included. Students will use their own digital point-and-shoot cameras or cell phone cameras. “Toy” plastic 120 film cameras will be on loan from the department of art and art history. Following successful completion of this introductory course, students are prepared to move on to certain level II photography or printmaking courses. EL LAiP designation. WGS (Women and Gender Studies) credit also possible.

Additional Course Fees: USD$100 lab fee.

COURSE: ARTH 250-2
CREDITS: 3 US Credits / 37.5 Contact Hours
OFFERED: January

This course examines how the ancient Greek and Roman worlds have been portrayed in  modern media. Students will engage with ancient myths and history, art and architecture, and  more, through the modern lens of pop culture media like film, television, books, music, and so on! Why have these narratives, themes, characters, and images remained so prominent in our  modern social and cultural discourse and how have they been adapted to modern audiences?

COURSE: ECON-118-2
CREDITS: 3 US Credits / 37.5 Contact Hours
OFFERED: January

“Sustainability” is a popular word. What does it mean in practice? What are the economic forces that push us in unsustainable directions? Can they be harnessed to provide a more durable outcome? In the end, what is it we’re trying to “sustain”?

This course seeks to explore the ecological underpinnings of human economies: how natural constraints influence the kinds of societies a place can support, and the way that new technologies and human choices change our relationship to the environment. We use Hartwick College’s main campus, Pine Lake campus, and the City of Oneonta as a series of living classrooms. The course looks at the roles of markets, governments, and other social structures, and applies the concepts of opportunity cost, supply-and-demand, and economic efficiency to understand patterns of growth and economic change and to consider what “sustainability” is and how to move toward it.

COURSE: MUST 255-2
CREDITS: 3 US Credits / 37.5 Contact Hours
OFFERED: January

Museums have featured on film – comedies, dramas and documentaries – in both starring roles and bit parts, from the dawn of cinema to the present.  In this course, we will explore the way filmmakers have presented museums and the ways in which films both reflect and help define the place of museums in societies around the world.

PREREQUISITES: None

Course syllabi are provided as a guide only. Class timetables are released closer to program start date.

COURSE: POSC-296-1
CREDITS: 3 US Credits / 37.5 Contact Hours
OFFERED: January

This course will examine the development of health policy in the United States and the distinctive structure of the US healthcare system. It will review the creation, implementation, and challenges facing major healthcare programs including Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Veterans Healthcare, and the Affordable Care Act. The course will explore many challenges facing the U.S. healthcare system including rising costs, uninsured and underinsured Americans, and health disparities. The second half of the course will examine contemporary health policy issues and trends including maternal mortality, reproductive rights, trans healthcare, the right to die, the teen mental health crisis, the use of AI in healthcare, the healthcare workforce shortage, and the opioid crisis.

The course will engage three lenses when considering all issues: 1. a personal perspective, considering how the issues affect ourselves, those we love, and our communities; 2. A civic health lens, considering how individuals and groups can become informed and involved to affect health policy change, and 3. An intersectional lens to explore health policy and politics from the perspective of historically marginalized identities including race, ethnicity, gender, gender orientation, sexual orientation, class, and ability status.

COURSE: HIST250
CREDITS: 3 US Credits / 37.5 Contact Hours
OFFERED: January

In this course, we will use the history of baseball as a lens for understanding broader themes and developments in American life. Topics covered will include racial segregation and desegregation, gender discrimination and equity, immigration, and the nature of cultural diplomacy. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to think critically about historical memory. What stories do we tell when we think about the history of baseball? What stories—and whose stories—do we choose to include and exclude? Why, and to what effect?

COURSE: ENGL 384-1
CREDITS: 3 US Credits / 37.5 Contact Hours
OFFERED: January

By focusing on the work of Adrienne Rich, Audre Lorde, Rachel Blau DuPlessis, and Bernadette Mayer—four significant intersectional feminist writers from the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries—this section of ENGL 247 Four Modern American Poets will investigate the important role that poetry has played in US social justice movements over the past fifty years, particularly with regard to issues of gender, sexuality, and race. Restricting our view to this small group of women poets will allow us to focus our attention: we will read each writer closely and carefully, think about the historical, political, and cultural contexts of each writer’s work, trace the influences these writers have upon each other, and investigate the world in which they lived and to which their poetry responds. We will also focus on poetry and poetics, that is, critical writing about poetry, and treat such writing as worthy of the same kind of critical attention as poetry itself. Beginning with writing emerging from the civil rights and women’s movements of the 1960s—Adrienne Rich’s political poetry and boundary-breaking essays and Audre Lorde’s foundational essay collection, Sister Outsider (1984)—the course will then delve into Bernadette Mayer’s long poem, Midwinter Day (1982), and Rachel Blau DuPlessis’s important essays of feminist poetics collected in The Pink Guitar (1990). Specific topics to be covered include but are not limited to: second- and third-wave feminism, LGBTQ+ writing and activism, African American writing and activism, economic inequality, and the poetics of the everyday. Students will write essays and short papers—one per week—on that week’s or unit’s reading.

COURSE: MUST 255-2
CREDITS: 3 US Credits / 37.5 Contact Hours
OFFERED: January

Museums have featured on film – comedies, dramas and documentaries – in both starring roles and bit parts, from the dawn of cinema to the present.  In this course, we will explore the way filmmakers have presented museums and the ways in which films both reflect and help define the place of museums in societies around the world.

PREREQUISITES: None

Course syllabi are provided as a guide only. Class timetables are released closer to program start date.

COURSE: RELS 146-1
CREDITS: 3 US Credits / 37.5 Contact Hours
OFFERED: January

Sacred space refers to the structures and landscapes that communities hold to be particularly powerful and meaningful. Typically these are set apart from ordinary spaces because of ritual use, distinctive events that once happened there, or intrinsic qualities such as beauty or austerity. In the most basic sense, sacred space refers to religious architecture—churches, mosques, temples, shrines, etc. In a broader sense, however, sacred space encompasses memorials, monuments, museums, parks, sites of tragedy, sites of protest, extraordinary natural areas and even the virtual spaces of our cybernetic age. In this course, students will explore the conceptual foundations of sacred space and learn about the diverse types of sacred space found in the United States.

Course syllabi are provided as a guide only. Class timetables are released closer to program start date.

COURSE: POSC-296-1
CREDITS: 3 US Credits / 37.5 Contact Hours
OFFERED: January

This course will examine the development of health policy in the United States and the distinctive structure of the US healthcare system. It will review the creation, implementation, and challenges facing major healthcare programs including Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Veterans Healthcare, and the Affordable Care Act. The course will explore many challenges facing the U.S. healthcare system including rising costs, uninsured and underinsured Americans, and health disparities. The second half of the course will examine contemporary health policy issues and trends including maternal mortality, reproductive rights, trans healthcare, the right to die, the teen mental health crisis, the use of AI in healthcare, the healthcare workforce shortage, and the opioid crisis.

The course will engage three lenses when considering all issues: 1. a personal perspective, considering how the issues affect ourselves, those we love, and our communities; 2. A civic health lens, considering how individuals and groups can become informed and involved to affect health policy change, and 3. An intersectional lens to explore health policy and politics from the perspective of historically marginalized identities including race, ethnicity, gender, gender orientation, sexual orientation, class, and ability status.

COURSE: SOCI 150
CREDITS: 3 US Credits / 37.5 Contact Hours
OFFERED: January

This course explores the social interplay between popular music and American society, emphasizing how musical trends reflect and influence broader social shifts. From the rise of jazz and rock to the cultural impact of hip-hop and electronic music, students will examine how music shapes and is shaped by issues of class, race, gender, and identity. Topics include the commodification of music, the evolution of music marketing, and the political and cultural movements intertwined with musical expression. Practically, students will study music’s production, consumption, and societal role through listening sessions, song discussions, and by completing our own mini-research project.

In satisfaction of GEOs 2 & 5, the course will also address how data has been processed, analyzed, and distributed in the past and present. We will examine contemporary transformations in music brought about by artificial intelligence and big data. Students will learn how these technologies are reshaping how music is created, distributed, and experienced, and consider their implications for the future of both music and society.

COURSE: POSC-250
CREDITS: 3 US Credits / 37.5 Contact Hours
OFFERED: January

The relationship between the United States and China will shape the 21st century,” says President Obama (July 27, 2009). This very important and dynamic relationship will be the focus of the course. Students will learn the historical legacies that link the United States and China, their intercultural communications, their mutual images and stereotypes, and how these perceptions shape their relations today.

COURSE: POSC-250-2: US Policy and Community
CREDITS: 3 US credits / 45 contact hours
OFFERED: January

This course explores the policy process in relation to federal institutions and individuals who work within these institutions. Students will examine the policymaking institutions and structures which guide the United States in areas such as health and environmental federal public policy. The course will seek to help explain the intricacy of policymaking and examine the role federal institutions play in framing dialogue within the policy process. One goal is to gain an understanding of how policies affect the culture surrounding health and the environment.

This course examines how public policies affect communities at various levels. Additionally, the course will help students see how they, as individuals, connect to various communities and how to help to shape these communities through an understanding of and appreciation for, public policies.

COURSE: PHYS 129-1
CREDITS: 3 US Credits / 37.5 Contact Hours
OFFERED: January

The “how-and-why” of the working of everyday objects from household appliances and television to the way electricity reaches our homes and how telephone calls are made. The inner workings of cars, ships, airplanes and spacecraft will also be studied. Prerequisite: open only to students with no previous college physics credit.

PREREQUISITES: None.

Course syllabi are provided as a guide only. Class timetables are released closer to program start date.

COVID Safe Travel

In preparation for your overseas program, it’s important that you carefully read and understand information related to COVID-19 Travel Safety and Insurance Requirements.

CISaustralia monitors Smartraveller and reliable news feeds to keep up to date with the latest COVID information and any associated travel restrictions and entry requirements for all destinations where we have programs. Due to the constantly evolving COVID-19 situation, Government travel advice can change quickly. For the most up to date information on the United States, visit the Smartraveller website.

Excursions

As part of your program, you’ll enjoy an excursion to bustling New York City (NYC). This 3-day/2-night adventure encompasses shared accommodation for two nights, round-trip transportation to and from NYC, a group  dinner, breakfast, and an additional cultural activity such as a live show or scenic water cruise along the Hudson River. The cultural activities on this excursion tend to change from year to year. You will also have some free time to explore the city at your own pace. 

Additionally, Hartwick College offers a cultural activities calendar for each program. This schedule is thoughtfully crafted in collaboration with the Hartwick College Student Experience Office, Hartwick Student Ambassadors, and International Clubs. These activities change each year, are optional and come with a fee, which is usually quite reasonable and caters for a student budget. Don’t forget to explore locally! Within a convenient 10-minute walking distance from campus, Oneonta, New York, boasts a charming Main Street adorned with local  shops and restaurants for you to explore.

For those seeking more adventure, there’s the option to take part in a one-day excursion to a ski resort in the Appalachian Mountains. You can choose to ski, snowboard, snow tubing (equipment hire at your own expense), or simply enjoy the snow and soak up the atmosphere with a hot chocolate in hand. This is a classic Northeast winter experience, complete with cosy lodge, snow-covered scenery and plenty of laughs. 

Your experience in New York is further enhanced by the presence of your CISaustralia on-site representative, who will welcome you to the city and assist you in settling in. The on-site representative and support team will greet you on arrival and will invite you to a welcome lunch/dinner. Throughout your stay, on-site staff will be a valuable source of advice on local cultural activities and opportunities.

Location

Hartwick College is nestled in the charming town of Oneonta, New York, a location that offers a unique blend of academic excellence and a vibrant community. Oneonta is a city known for its rich history and natural beauty, providing an ideal backdrop for a college experience that goes beyond the classroom.

Situated in the heart of Upstate New York, Hartwick College is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including the Catskill Mountains to the south and the rolling hills of the Susquehanna River Valley to the north. This stunning natural setting offers students opportunities for outdoor adventures, hiking, and exploring the beauty of the four distinct seasons that grace the region.

Oneonta, New York

Oneonta’s small-town charm and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal place to pursue higher education. The city is home to a diverse range of local businesses, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Students can enjoy a variety of dining options, from cosy cafes to family-owned eateries, all within easy reach of the college campus.

The college’s location is perfect for those who appreciate a close-knit community while still having access to the amenities and resources of a larger city. Oneonta offers a thriving arts scene, with local galleries and theatres showcasing the talents of both students and the broader community.

For those seeking cultural enrichment, Hartwick College is a short drive away from museums, historical sites, and festivals that celebrate the region’s heritage. The charming Main Street of Oneonta hosts events throughout the year, creating a lively atmosphere for students to enjoy.

Beyond the town’s borders, you’ll find numerous opportunities for exploration. Nearby Cooperstown is famous for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the Farmers’ Museum, providing a taste of American history and sports culture.

New York, USA

One of the most iconic destinations in New York is, of course, the bustling metropolis of New York City. Just a few hours’ drive or a convenient train ride away, students can immerse themselves in the world’s cultural, financial, and entertainment capital. From Broadway shows and world-class museums to Central Park and the Statue of Liberty, the city offers endless possibilities for exploration and adventure.

For those interested in history, Upstate New York is rich with historic sites and landmarks. The region played a crucial role in the American Revolution, and you can visit historic forts like Fort Ticonderoga or Saratoga National Historical Park. The Erie Canal, a marvel of 19th-century engineering, also winds its way through the state, offering a glimpse into the past.

Nature enthusiasts will find a paradise in the Adirondack Park, a vast expanse of pristine wilderness perfect for hiking, camping, and water sports. The Catskill Mountains, located nearby, provide additional opportunities for outdoor activities, and their charming towns offer a cosy respite from city life.

New York State is renowned for its agriculture, and students can explore the Hudson Valley’s wineries, apple orchards, and farm-to-table dining. In the Finger Lakes region, you can discover some of the state’s best vineyards and experience the serenity of the glacially-carved lakes.

For those with an interest in the arts, New York is home to world-class cultural institutions. In addition to the museums and galleries in New York City, you can explore the Corning Museum of Glass, the Storm King Art Center, and the Dia Beacon in the Hudson Valley.

New York State also boasts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and food to culture and heritage. These gatherings offer a chance for students to immerse themselves in the local community and experience the state’s unique traditions.

Whether you’re interested in history, the arts, outdoor activities, or simply enjoying the warmth of a close community, Hartwick College’s location in Oneonta, New York, offers the perfect backdrop for a well-rounded and fulfilling college experience.

The University

Founded in 1797, Hartwick College is a private liberal arts college with approx. 1,100 students located in Oneonta, New York. With a rich history spanning more than two centuries, the college has evolved into a distinguished institution known for its academic excellence, small personalised classes and commitment to providing a well-rounded education. Hartwick College traces its origins to a group of Lutheran ministers who established the Hartwick Seminary in Hartwick, New York. Over the years, the seminary transitioned into a college, expanding its curriculum and offerings. 

Today, Hartwick College offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, 31 majors and 11 minors, in various disciplines, including arts, humanities, business, arts history, sciences (biology, chemistry, physics), social sciences, forensic science, cybersecurity, game development, criminal justice and pre-professional studies. The college is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, small class sizes, and a strong emphasis on student-faculty interaction. The diverse array of majors and minors allows students to explore their passions and interests while receiving personalised attention from experienced faculty members.

Hartwick College upholds the liberal arts tradition, emphasising a well-rounded education that nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills. The college’s curriculum encourages students to engage with different perspectives, fostering a deep understanding of the world and preparing graduates for a wide range of careers and further academic pursuits. In addition to academic pursuits, Hartwick College offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs, organisations, and sports teams. These activities provide students with opportunities to develop leadership skills, engage in community service, and form lasting friendships.

Liberal arts Colleges and Universities in the USA, like Hartwick College, traditionally offer well-rounded education that encompasses a broad range of academic disciplines. Liberal arts institutions are known for their small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio –  which means that students have more opportunities for personalised attention and interaction with professors. Liberal Arts institutions tend to prioritise teaching and undergraduate education. While faculty members may engage in research, their primary focus is often classroom instruction and mentoring students.  

Accommodation

The majority of all Hartwick College students live on campus – both American and international students. Students will stay in University housing, in shared rooms, with standard features including; security swipe card, 24/7 security, wifi, linen pack, bed, desk, chair, storage space, lamp, shared single gender bathrooms and access to the fitness centre. Common area facilities include TV lounge area, shared kitchen and laundry room facilities, study areas / lounges, shared sporting facilities and Resident Advisors on site and available 24/7.

A student meal plan will also be provided, consisting of three (3) meals per day during the week, and two (2) per day on weekends (brunch and dinner). 

Access to University facilities, including eateries, library, support services, gym, indoor pool, athletics, recreational and sporting facilities and activities, via an appropriate Student ID card / pass or University access card will also be provided.

Program Fee & Dates

January 2026 (3 weeks)
Application Deadline03 November 2025
Arrival Date03 January 2026
Departure Date24 January 2026
Application FeeA$ 99
Program Fee A$ 6,999
OS-HELP A$ 8,245

 

Program fees include the following:
  • CISaustralia support services before, during, and after the program
  • Academic advising
  • Financial advice
  • Assistance with travel arrangements
  • Pre-departure guide and session
  • Student ID card with access to on-campus facilities and meal plan 
  • 3 day/2 night excursion to NYC (see above for details)
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off (on specified program arrival date within designated arrival times)
  • Accommodation for duration of program (shared rooms on campus)
  • Welcome orientation by Hartwick staff and students
  • Welcome and Farewell Meal
  • A meal plan with 3 meals a day on weekdays and 2 meals a day on weekends 
  • Tuition fees*
  • On-campus internet / wifi
  • Access to gym (weights, equipment, studio for spin classes and yoga), pool, library, and cafeteria.
  • Program risk matrix and COVID-19 risk assessment
  • Risk Management and Emergency Response Plan
  • CISaustralia 24/7 on-site support – Site Director
  • Hartwick College official transcript

What is not included:

  • Program application fee
  • International Student Identity Card
  • Flights (CISaustralia will however provide travel guidance and support via our formal travel partner)
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees**
  • Vaccinations (if required)
  • Additional Meals (unless mentioned above)
  • Extra travel/excursions (other than those mentioned above)

*The January in NY State program fee includes 3US credits. If you choose a 4US credit course, there will be an extra tuition fee of approximately AU$175, per course.

**Students should expect to pay approx. US$800 for their student visa, in addition to attending an in-person interview in Sydney, Melbourne or Perth. The visa fee of approx. US$800 includes 3 different components – Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee of US$350, the reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee of US$280 – US$300 and a non-immigrant visa application fee (MRV fee) of US$185. US Government student visa fees are regulated by the US Government and are subject to change without notice. CISaustralia cannot charge or collect fees for the US student visa.

Dates are for reference only and are subject to change. Please do not book flights until you have received the confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork.

CISaustralia reserves the right to alter fees at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by our partner universities.

Adventure Awaits

Subscribe to our newsletter and receive the latest updates on all CISaustralia programs, scholarships, news and more!