AustraLearn and James Cook University

  Australia

• Queensland: 
Townsville,  Cairns

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Feb-June and/or July-Nov

Description: JCU is Australia's first tropical university and is internationally-known in areas of geographical relevance and in environmental, ecological and biological research. The main campuses of JCU of North Queensland are located in Townsville and Cairns, both attractive tropical coastal cities with multicultural populations of more the 100,000. Both campuses offer a safe and friendly environment for study and socializing. JCU's undergraduate science program in marine Biology/Marine Science comprises a diverse range of individual subjects and a number of majors. All teaching draws on JCU's close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef; the world's most extensive coral reef system. Environmental Science programs are available on both campuses.

The Townsville campus is located in bushland whilst the Cairns campus, bordered by rainforest, is located in the suburb of Smithfield. Access to World Heritage listed rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef is easily afforded by both cities. The Townsville campus is serviced by bus. The relatively flat terrain of both Cairns and Townsville and relatively little commuter traffic makes bicycle travel popular for both students and the local population.

Highlights: Many of the popular study abroad subjects available at JCU are not offered in other areas of the world, such as Aboriginal Studies or Reef and Rainforest Science. And, many of the subjects available to study abroad student include a practical component and/or field trips. Some of the popular subjects that include field trips include Linking Indigenousness (camping with aboriginal communities and being taught by the elders in the rainforest, bushland and desert outback), and JCU's Maritime Archaeology and Rock Art Field Schools.

As a part of international orientation week, the JCU Student Association organizes trips to nearby attractions including Magnetic Island , Fitzroy Island , Billabong Sanctuary Wildlife Park and the Great Barrier Reef . A welcome barbecue is also organized for all new students in addition to many other activities held throughout the year such as Arts Week (Townsville), Campus Bands Competition, Green Week ( Cairns ), free movies and more!

James Cook University locations offer a large variety of outdoors activities such as:
- Visits to the Great Barrier Reef and nearby Islands and Resorts
- Snorkeling and Scuba
- Sailing, Canoeing, Kayaking, Water-skiing, Jet-skiing
- Endless white beaches
- Rainforest
- Historic Outback Towns
- Skydiving
- White water rafting
- Wildlife parks
- Tracks and Hiking Trails
- Cycling
- Waterfalls and Lakes
- Bush and Beach Horse Rides

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Contact AustraLearn

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Participants Travel to Australia Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Scholarships are Available. USD 300,000 in scholarships available to AustraLearn study abroad students each year. The application is provided in upon acceptance to the AustraLearn program.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

AustraLearn's Mission Statement: AustraLearn seeks to foster the development of future leaders, who, through international awareness, gain a greater respect for and understanding of the relationship which exists between North America, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific in the context of the larger global community.

Year Founded: 1989