CIEE Arts and Sciences Program in Perth, Australia

  Australia

• Perth: 
Perth

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Throughout the year 
Dates: Fall 18 weeks: late July-early November; Spring 19 weeks: early-February-mid-June; Academic Year 50 weeks: late July-mid-June; Calendar Year 40 weeks: early-February-late November

Description: The program is designed to provide a critical appreciation of Australia and its regional setting, while students pursue their own academic interests at one of Australias top universities. Students gain an understanding of Australian society and its connections with Asia, while pursuing a wide range of academics and recreational activities. Integration with Australian students and other opportunities to become immersed in the local society enable students to go beyond observation and become full participants in the host culture.

Academic Program
Established in 1991 as the first CIEE program in Australia, the Arts and Sciences program at the CIEE Study Center at Murdoch University has hosted hundreds of students from universities across the U.S. The CIEE Study Center provides a supportive, yet challenging environment in which to study and gain firsthand knowledge of Australian life and culture. In addition to a wide range of liberal arts subjects, Murdoch University has particularly strong offerings in media studies, communications, and field-based sciences. A Parliamentary internship is also offered during the fall semester

Academic Culture
All courses are taught by Murdoch faculty, with Murdoch staff enjoying one of the highest proportions of doctorates of all Australian universities. Murdoch University uses a point system, and the normal full-time course load is 12 points each semester, which is equivalent to 15 U.S. semester credits. Most Murdoch University subjects are designated as either three- or four-point classes. Students are eligible to enroll in any course for which they are qualified, with the exception of a few specialized subjects offered by the Veterinary and Chiropractic Schools.

The approach to teaching in Australian universities requires that students take a great deal of responsibility for their own learning. A typical subject consists of two hours of lectures and one to two hours of tutorials and, in the sciences, lab work, per week. Many science classes also involve fieldwork. While contact hours are not high, students are expected to undertake a significant amount of directed reading on their own time. Self-motivation and self-discipline are encouraged by the Australian system.

The Murdoch University academic year lasts from early February through the end of November and is divided into two semesters. Semester I (early February to mid-June) corresponds to the spring semester at U.S. institutions and Semester II (late July to late November) corresponds to the U.S. fall semester. The program at Murdoch University is offered both semesters and consists of a one-week orientation, 12 weeks of classes, a two-week mid-semester break, a one-week study period, and a two-week final exam period. The academic year program consists of two consecutive semesters and may follow the U.S. academic year (Semester II and Semester I) or the Australian calendar year (Semester I followed by Semester II). Students who apply for the U.S. academic year program can take advantage of the three- month summer (Christmas) break to work or travel in the region.

Highlights:

• Full-time local academic and personal support provided by on-site Resident Director, who arranges excursions, volunteer opportunities, and cultural events
  
• Full range of academic offerings; dedicated on-campus CIEE Study Center; for-credit internships
  
• 10-day trip to Pilbara, the Northwest area of Western Australia
  
• Local activities including a surfing lesson and an Australian rules football match
  
• Weekend homestays with rural families

In addition, there are opportunities for weekend homestays with rural families, and the chance to undertake community work in study-related areas. Students may also participate in additional trips arranged outside of the typical excursion program for an extra fee. In the past, students have traveled to Thailand and Borneo. Many students also independenly achieve scuba diving certification.

Northwest Excursion
The Northwest Excursion, included in the program fee, is a trip to the rugged northwest region of Western Australia to an area known as the Pilbara. The Pilbara covers close to 2,500 miles and includes plains of wild flowers and mountainous outcropsamong the oldest on earth. It is also home to some of Australias most hardy fauna and flora. Students may come across the shy rock wallaby, the perenti lizard, grey and red kangaroos, and many other unique animals.

Monkey Mia in Shark Bay is one of the highlights of the excursion. Monkey Mia is a World Heritage Site and attracts schools of dolphins to its shores daily. Its the closest students will get to a dolphin unless they work in a marine park. Along with the dolphins live other marine life such as the Dugongs (Manatees), called the Mermaids of the Sea, and turtles. This area is also home to our oldest living ancestors, the Stromatalites, which have evolved over three to four billion years, as well as Shell Beach, an entire beach made of shells.

Students snorkel in the Ningaloo Reef, which is also a World Heritage Site. More accessible than the Great Barrier Reef and home to as many as 500 species of tropical fish and 200 species of coral, it is home to the migratory Whale Sharks, the gentle giants of the sea. Humpback Whales also cruise just beyond the reef during the months of July, October, and November.

Another highlight of the excursion is Karijini National Park. Hidden among Western Australias mining towns, this area is untouched and pristine in beauty. While enjoying the splendor of its gorges and flora and fauna, students swim in freshwater rock pools. The hikes and trails through the gorges are challenging, as well as breathtaking with their Aboriginal drawings and wildlife. Billions of years old, the rocky gorges are spectacular in formation.

Students who do not participate on the Northwest Excursion will not be reimbursed.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Experience Required: yes

Overall GPA 2.75

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Australia Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Scholarships are Available. We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Transcript
• Written Application

CIEE's Mission Statement: Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world." Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever. As we look ahead, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles and values that guide this mission statement.

Year Founded: 1947