Overview

This short course will help students understand the relationship between the environment and the complex factors involved in tourism activity, society, and resource allocation, through lectures and field trips. Field and weekend trips to the Outback and Gold Coast are included, with activities such as surfing lessons at Byron Bay, lighthouse walks, and visits to wildlife sanctuaries, Protestor’s Falls, Nimbin/Rainbow Region, Currumbin, Rocky Creek Dam, and the Minjungbul Aboriginal Centre.

Location

With a population of 45,000, Lismore is set in an area of unsurpassed natural beauty and just a half-hour drive from the beaches at Ballina and 45 minutes from scenic Byron Bay, Australia's most eastern point. Located near both the rainforest and the ocean, you’ll find the lifestyle relaxing, friendly, and mentally stimulating. The surrounding hills are dotted with historical villages and rustic hamlets. Nearby Nimbin is home to the Aquarius Festival and 'spiritual home' of Australia's alternative lifestyle movement. Lismore supports a flourishing arts community and a dynamic live music scene. With a full calendar of weekend markets, live performances, and cultural festivals, there is always something happening.

Course Content and Assessment

A combination of classroom-based lectures from two of the leading tourism experts in Australia, Dr. Erica Wilson and Noah Nielsen, will be interspersed with a variety of day and weekend field trips. Topics covered in the course will include impacts of tourism, sustainable development and tourism planning, preparation and case studies of tourism plans, tourism planning and policy, ecotourism, Indigenous tourism planning, tourism planning in less-developed countries, tourism monitoring and evaluation, and more.


Assessment

Assessment will comprise a variety of written assignments, including a field trip report and papers on tourism issues, plus active participation and discussion. Southern Cross University will issue a transcript equivalent to 3-4 U.S. university credits.

Program Highlights

•Study, live, and explore in a vibrant, thriving, yet off-the-beaten-path location of Lismore and the world famous Byron Bay area

•Gain an in-depth understanding and knowledge of tourism and environmental issues from faculty experts from the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management at Southern Cross University

•Enjoy a variety of day trips and weekend excursions which will reinforce classroom learning and bring lecture topics to life

•Students get a unique opportunity to live with local Australian families through homestay accommodation


Who It’s For

•Open to all students of at least sophomore standing. May be of particular interest to students studying any facet of tourism, sustainable development, area studies, and sociology but open to students of all backgrounds and majors.

Fees

Program Fees

$4,450.00

Fee Includes

Tuition, homestay accommodation with local families, most meals, ground transportation in Australia, orientation, and airport shuttle services in Australia. International airfare 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: Lismore, New South Wales
Overseas Students:
Staff:
Total Enrolment:

Entry Requirements

Open to all students of at least sophomore standing. May be of particular interest to students studying any facet of tourism, sustainable development, area studies, and sociology but open to students of all backgrounds and majors.

Required GPA: 2.50