AustraLearn: Regional Australian Field Studies - Mountains, Coast and Outback

  Australia

• New South Wales: 
Wollongong

Term: Summer, Winter 
Dates: Inquire for specific dates.

Description: The three week program is taught by staff from the Faculties of Arts and Science and the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre at the University of Wollongong and includes 10 days of intensive field studies. Travelling from Pacific Ocean surf beaches to the highest mountain in Australia and then the national capital, this study program integrates distinctive regional environmental and social issues. With a focus on the interaction between ecological and cultural processes, participants will be exposed to field experience in a wide range of environments.

Key issues addressed will include wildland fire, the region's unique fauna and flora, Indigenous culture, and changing settlement patterns. Students will visit Gulaga, a mountain sacred to the Yuin Aboriginal people, experience elements of colonial history, and explore the design and iconography of the national capital. Participants will gain skills in field observations, research, cross-cultural approaches, and critical thinking.

Highlights:
* Explore a variety of topics related to natural, cultural, social, and environmental issues affecting spectacular parts of regional Australia typically not typically visited by the average study abroad student.
* A 10-day intensive field studies trip to either the beautiful coast or mountains (January) or Outback region (summer).
* Learn from faculty experts from the University of Wollongong and the Woolyungah Aboriginal Centre.

Wollongong is located 1.5 hours south of Sydney on a spectacular stretch of the New South Wales coast, where pristine beaches meet lush, green mountains. This thriving, multicultural city boasts a vibrant nightlife and its surrounding landscapes provide great surfing, hiking, and biking. The field study portion will take place in either the south New South Wales coast and mountains (January) or the central and northern Australian Outback (summer).

Minimum Education: High School

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Participants Travel to Australia in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

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