Overview

The three week program is taught by staff from the Faculties of Arts and Science and the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre at the University of Wollongong and includes 10 days of intensive field studies. Travelling from Pacific Ocean surf beaches to the highest mountain in Australia and then the national capital, this study program integrates distinctive regional environmental and social issues. With a focus on the interaction between ecological and cultural processes, participants will be exposed to field experience in a wide range of environments.

Key issues addressed will include wildland fire, the region’s unique fauna and flora, Indigenous culture, and changing settlement patterns. Students will visit Gulaga, a mountain sacred to the Yuin Aboriginal people, experience elements of colonial history, and explore the design and iconography of the national capital. Participants will gain skills in field observations, research, cross-cultural approaches, and critical thinking.

Location

Wollongong is located 1.5 hours south of Sydney on a spectacular stretch of the New South Wales coast, where pristine beaches meet lush, green mountains. This thriving, multicultural city boasts a vibrant nightlife and its surrounding landscapes provide great surfing, hiking, and biking. The field study portion will take place in either the south New South Wales coast and mountains (January) or the central and northern Australian Outback (summer).

Course Content and Assessment

Upon arriving in Wollongong, students will undertake a one-week orientation program, followed by the field study component, and returning to University of Wollongong for a program review and assessment. Students will undertake a variety of interactive lectures on topics noted above. Field study locations will be:

•January:
South Coast and Snowy Mountain regions of New South Wales. Students will be transported by van (costs included).

•Summer:
Outback region of Central Australia/Northern Territory. Previous courses have gone to Kakadu National Park and Uluru (Ayer’s Rock). Students will be required to purchase a domestic airline ticket as an additional expense for the summer program.


Assessment

A variety of written assignments and a group presentation are required. Students will receive a transcript from University of Wollongong equivalent to 3-4 U.S. university credits.

Program Highlights

•Explore a variety of topics related to natural, cultural, social, and environmental issues affecting spectacular parts of regional Australia typically not typically visited by the average study abroad student

•A 10-day intensive field studies trip to either the beautiful coast or mountains (January) or Outback region (summer).

•Learn from faculty experts from the University of Wollongong and the Woolyungah Aboriginal Centre.


Who It’s For?

•Open to all students of at least sophomore standing. May be of particular interest to those studying or with an interest in geography, anthropology, tourism, Aboriginal studies, environmental science/studies, cultural studies, or related areas.

Fees

Program Fees

$3,100.00

Fee Includes

Tuition, accommodation, most meals, ground transportation in Australia, orientation, and airport shuttle services in Australia. International airfare and airfare within Australia (for the summer program) is an additional cost.

Fee Semester

The above fee is the estimated fee for Summer 2008. Fees are subject to change for future terms.

Facts

Location: Wollongong, New South Wales
Overseas Students:
Staff:
Total Enrolment:

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have the required GPA and have completed at least the equivalent of one year of full-time study at the university/college level.

Required GPA: 3.00