AustraLearn and Southern Cross University

  Australia

• New South Wales: 
Lismore

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

Description: Southern Cross University has an established reputation for excellence with quality programs that have high academic standards. The University offers an environment that is relaxed, friendly and supportive. Previous students have quoted close relationships with staff as being one of the highlights of their experience. The University has developed an international reputation for its research and has won a number of competitive grants from a range of government and private organizations. As an example of its reputation, the University's Center for Coastal Management was recently ranked Number 2 in the world. Southern Cross University offers students a quality alternative to studying in a large capital city.

Located in the city of Lismore in northern New South Wales, a region of unsurpassed natural beauty, the University offers students the opportunity to experience some of Australia's best beaches and rainforest.

Highlights: Each semester a special one week 4WD camping excursion is held for study abroad students. While the trip varies it has recently been held between Ayers Rock (Uluru) and Alice Springs in Central Australia in an area justifiably famous worldwide. You would have the opportunity to experience places of spiritual significance to the local indigenous people such as Ayers Rock (Uluru), The Olga's, Kings Canyon (Watarka) and Palm Valley. These spectacular places are not found anywhere else in the world. You then get to do some 4WD travel up the old Finke River , camp overnight around a fire, swim in waterholes, and see no other travelers for days. This is the real Australia and an experience you will never forget.

Another popular trip is the camping trip to Fraser Island the world's largest sand island. This trip includes kayaking to see dolphins and a visit to an Aboriginal community.

For those students who wish to learn how to surf whilst they are in Australia , the surf safari held at Byron Bay is ideal. When possible the surfing trip is run to coincide with the major festivals and events held in Byron so that students can enjoy the atmosphere.

The latest trip, is a local camping and bushwalking trip that encompasses the mountains, the rainforest and the ocean. This trip includes learning about bush foods and Aboriginal culture.

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