Australia: Rainforest, Reef, and Cultural Ecology

  Australia

• Queensland: 
Cairns

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: late Aug-early Dec; early Feb-mid May

Description: Investigate the terrestrial and marine ecological patterns and processes of tropical northern Queensland--a world vastly different from the rest of Australia. UNESCO has recognized the global significance of this region, listing rainforests and reefs as World Heritage sites. The tropical lowland rainforest is biogeographically the oldest in the world. Tableland plateaus and the incredible coral and marine life of the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef add to the ecological richness and diversity--due in part to the region's isolation from the rest of the world for all but the last two centuries.

Interdisciplinary lectures, workshops, and field-based activities help students develop an in-depth understanding of the region's natural ecology as well as an appreciation of the historical and contemporary social pressures and natural resource exploitation issues affecting human communities.

Highlights: 16 credits; Natural and Cultural Ecology Seminar, Environmental Field Study Seminar, four-week Independent Study Project; two-week homestay in Cairns designed to help students become familiar with the people and places of the district and prepare them for the intensive field modules.

The program includes extensive field excursions to a wide array of ecologically significant sites in the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics World Heritage areas, as well as the Outback. Field excursions to marine, coastal, and upland habitats emphasize a synthetic approach to observing the influence of biophysical factors on both natural and human-dominated systems. In addition to investigating the biodiversity of the rainforest and reef, students explore cultural considerations and perspectives of traditional owners during an Aboriginal camping trip.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: contact sponsor

Experience Required: yes

At least one year of college-level work at the time of application and good academic standing with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5. Prerequisites: Previous college-level coursework and/or other significant preparation in environmental studies, ecology, biology, or related fields, as assessed by SIT.

This Program is open to American and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Australia in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 12-15

Scholarships are Available. To make study abroad opportunities available to a wide range of students, SIT Study Abroad offers a variety of scholarships. We base all scholarship awards on need and merit. Awards range from $500 to $5,000. For a full list of scholarships, and to download a scholarship application, please visit our web site.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

SIT Study Abroad's Mission Statement: SIT Study Abroad is the accredited higher education institution of World Learning, a private, nonprofit international organization promoting international and intercultural understanding, social justice, and economic development through education, training, and field projects around the globe. SIT prepares students to be interculturally effective leaders, professionals, and citizens through SIT Study Abroad, undergraduate, field-based academic programs operating in more than 50 countries worldwide, and thorough short-term professional training and graduate degrees in language teaching, conflict transformation, international education, social justice in intercultural relations, management, and sustainable development.

Year Founded: 1932