CIEE Arts and Sciences Program in Wollongong, Australia

  Australia

• New South Wales: 
Wollongong

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Throughout the year 
Dates: Fall 18 weeks: mid-July-mid-November; Spring 18 weeks: mid-February-mid-June; Academic Year 48 weeks: mid-July-mid-June; Calendar Year 40 weeks: mid-February-mid-November

Description: The Arts and Sciences program at the CIEE Study Center at the University of Wollongong provides students with a supportive environment in which to gain personal independence and intellectual insight into Australia's dynamic and contemporary society. Through integration with local students as well as CIEE field trips, students participate in, and reflect upon, the academic, social, and cultural environments in which they live and study. The University's location offers students easy access to the larger cities while studying in an area of natural beauty.

Academic Program
Established in 1997, the Arts and Sciences program at the University of Wollongong allows participants to fulfill home institution major requirements in a variety of fields. Students are fully assimilated into university life by studying and living with Australian and other international students, and so become part of the melting pot of cultures that is an integral part of campus life. Students benefit academically and personally from the new perspectives, insights, and experiences flowing from studying abroad in a genuinely multicultural but English language-based society.

A wide range of courses in a variety of disciplines is available from the following faculties: arts, commerce, creative arts, education, engineering, health and behavioral sciences, informatics, law, and science. CIEE students are encouraged to enroll in at least one course with specific Australian content or one that offers a distinctive Australian perspective in their area of interest.

Academic Culture
The Australian educational system generally expects self-motivated, independent work from students. American students need to adapt to this learning style and take initiative in classes that do not provide continuous assessment throughout the semester. A typical class requires two or three hours of lectures and one or two hours of tutorials or seminar classes each week. Science-based subjects normally also require three hours of laboratory classes weekly.

The University's academic year runs from mid-February through mid-November and comprises two main sessions. Session I, from mid-February to mid-June, corresponds to the U.S. spring semester (known as the University of Wollongong - Autumn Session). Session II, from mid-July to mid-November, corresponds to the U.S. fall semester (known as the University of Wollongong - Spring Session). Students attending the University of Wollongong in the U.S. fall semester will finish exams in mid-November. Students in the U.S. spring semester will finish exams in mid-June.

The program is offered both semesters and consists of a one-week orientation, 13 weeks of classes, a one-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. calendar (Session II and Session I) or the Australian calendar (Session I and Session II).

Highlights:

• A modern, well-equipped University offering a vast array of study options with strengths in areas such as Australian studies, environmental and health sciences, and education
  
• A friendly campus filled with natural beauty, close to beaches, and within easy reach of Sydney and elsewhere on Australia's east coast
  
• Experienced CIEE staff provide full-time on-site support and organize a variety of local and regional excursions, cultural opportunities, and volunteer projects

South Coast Excursion
A highlight of the semester is a 3-day excursion to an area of outstanding natural beauty on the New South Wales south coast, where students are introduced to Aboriginal culture as well as to Australian flora and fauna. Program participants stay in cabins at a comfortable resort, located right on the beach and surrounded by a national park. Dolphins can sometimes be seen in the bay and kangaroos freely roam the resort.

A day is spent hiking a mountain that is sacred to the local Aboriginal people, guided by an Aboriginal elder who imparts teachings about Indigenous Australians and their culture. This insight is extremely special and provides an experience that few Australians ever have it has had a huge impact on past participants on the program. Bushwalks are led by a local naturalist, giving students a deeper understanding of local flora, fauna, and geology. Relax and enjoy your beautiful surroundings - clear blue waters, long sandy beaches, and a coastline largely untouched by humans.

Other Trips and Activities
Other trips and destinations may include: Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Minnamurra Rainforest, a surfing lesson, sports events such as an Australian Football League or Aussie Rules match, Nan Tien Temple (largest Buddhist Temple in the southern hemisphere), and activities such as hiking and watching Australian films.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

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

Experience Required: yes