AustraLearn and the University of Wollongong

  Australia

• New South Wales: 
Wollongong

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

Description: The University of Wollongong is a modern, innovative center of learning, and provides a highly personalized environment for study. The University has very comprehensive academic offerings from engineering and information technology to Australian studies/Aboriginal Studies.

The University is consistently ranked amongst the leading universities in Australia and is the only Australian university ever to have been awarded the prestigious University of the Year award in two consecutive years by the Good Universities Guides - in 1999/2000 for "Outstanding Research and Development Partnerships" (joint winner) and 2000/2001 for "Preparing Graduates for the e-world" (joint winner). Established in 1951, the University has a student population of over 15,000. Students from over 60 countries study together on an 82-hectare campus with many green spaces, ponds, streams and waterfalls

The University is located in the city of Wollongong (pronounced 'Wool-n-gong'), 50 miles south of Sydney . The main campus is situated at the base of Mt Keira, with many buildings on campus boasting views of the Pacific Ocean . The city of Wollongong is a short bus ride from campus, and an hour's train ride south of Sydney. Wollongong offers many alternatives for shopping, and more energetic outdoor activities. Explore the Royal National Park , hike through the rainforest slopes of Mt Keira, hang-glide or paraglide from Stanwell Park (an historic location in the history of aviation) or enjoy swimming and surfing at one of the many South Coast beaches.

Wollongong is a thriving city with the largest regional art gallery in Australia, a performing arts centre, and many pubs and nightclubs. The Wollongong Entertainment Centre hosts many international performances and is the home of Wollongong 's successful National Basketball Team. Sports fans will find tickets to National Basketball, Rugby League, Soccer and Baseball games plentiful and very affordable. Wollongong prides itself on its cosmopolitan atmosphere with numerous ethnic restaurants offering foods from Cajun to Vietnamese and Thai.

Highlights: The University "Uni-Centre" organizes Student Development Programs designed to facilitate student participation in a range of extra-curricular programs that deliver useful skills and experiences to help students get ahead in the real world. The University has 70 active student clubs and societies and Study Abroad students are encouraged to join at least one. For example, The Green Team, Community Service Program is an opportunity to make a difference in your life, the lives of others, the life of the community and the life of the planet through local conservation projects.

The Adventure Leadership -- Project Challenge is all about giving students the opportunity to learn about themselves, others, the environment, and Indigenous cultures, while traveling to awesome locations for adventure and challenge.

The University also offers weekend and day trips to the Blue Mountains , Jenolan Caves , the Sydney Aquarium and Taronga Zoo. Other trips to Melbourne , Port Stephens, Jervis Bay , and the Snowy Mountains are promoted through the Study Abroad Office and organized by an independent travel company.

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. 300,000 USD 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