Overview

*Application Deadline for the June session has now been extended to March 30, 2010.

Edge of the Outback: A Photographic Journey Through Rural Australia is a three-week course exploring a regional Australian outback landscape through photography.

Both traditional and digital photography mediums are utilized. The course is designed to develop the students' visual thinking related to the media investigated within a regional Australian context. Workshops and a major 5-day field trip will provide the platform for exploration of imagery based on the region's ancient landscape and sociological layering created by pre and past colonial influences.

A local Aboriginal guide will accompany the field trip to assist in the transition into the cultural specifics of space and place. The participants will exhibit their work in a major regional art gallery at the conclusion of the program.

Important Note: Students do NOT need to bring their own camera and camera equipment. However, if personal equipment is preferred individuals are welcome to bring their own.

See for yourself what alumni say about the program and view some of their amazing work HERE.

Location

Mildura is located on the Murray River in Victoria's northwest. It is at the center of an extensive agricultural and irrigated horticultural region encompassing Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales. Students will fly into Melbourne and then travel by train and bus to Mildura - it is approximately a six hour trip.

Students will also take part in a 5 day field trip into the outback visiting a wide variety of landscapes and scenic scenes ideal for photography. Students will experience Mungo National Park, take part in a sunset shoot at the Walls of China, visit Mutawintje National Park and the Mutawintje Gorge, along with a sunset shoot at Spilt Rock.

Academic Focus

During the program experts in the photographic field will instruct and coach your skills in photography, black and white printing with alternative photographic practices. Students will also participate in workshops on SLR camera operation and maintenance, aperture and depth of field, shutter speed and movement, exposure control, film speed, and tripods.

Course Structure

• Concepts in photography, black and white printing with alternative photographic practices, and keeping a journal. 
• A welcome from several important community leaders.
• Discussion of SLR camera operation and maintenance, aperture and depth of field, shutter speed and movement, exposure control, film speed and tripods.
• Artist talk with professional photographers.
• Darkroom and computer lab work time.
• 5-day field trip to Broken Hill - includes walks through Mungo National Park and other local environments as well as time within Indigenous communities.
• Gallery exhibition where students will display their best work. 

Assessment 

Assessment for this unit of study is based on the submission of three assignments at the conclusion of the program:

1. A Travel Journal: This day-to-day journal should burst to life with writings, drawings, visual scraps, collage, brochures, mementos, quotes, anecdotes, photographic proof sheets, in fact anything that relates to the journey. Students will also complete a page to become part of a website documenting their experience of the program.
2. Black and White Print Portfolio: A suite or series of four prints (8 x 10 inch) based on geographic, environment, rural sociology, and cultural themes.
3. Color Print Portfolio: A suite or series of two prints based on the above themes.

Credit 

Upon successful completion of the course students will receive a transcript from La Trobe University for the equivalent of 3-4 U.S. credits.

Program Highlights

• All equipment provided and no experience needed.
• See a beautiful part of Australia most students and tourists never see
• Field trips to pristine national parks and significant areas of Aboriginal culture 
• Final exhibition of your work in a regional art gallery
• Practice your photo skills with industry experts
• Available as a stand-alone course or as an add on to a semester or year abroad in Australia, New Zealand, or Fiji

• See for yourself what makes this program so unique - view photographs by program alumni here

      

Who Should Apply

Open to anyone with an interest in photography of at least sophomore standing — Maybe of particular interest to photography and visual arts majors, avid amateurs or those wanting to develop their photography skills.

Accommodations

The Edge of the Outback - Photography short term program will house students at a variety of different venues based on the location of the program.

Students will spend their first night and last night in Melbourne, Australia. Students will stay at the Hotel Victoria where they will take part in Melbourne city tours, orientation activities and much more. Students will be housed in twin or triple share dorm rooms with their fellow photography students. Bathroom facilities will be shared and a communal kitchen will be available.

During their stay in Mildura students will be housed at backpackers facilities. Students will stay in dorm style facilities with fellow photography students attending the 3 week course. A shuttle will pick the students up every morning for the start of class time and drop them off at the end of the day. A communal kitchen facility is included and students will be walking distance to shops, restaurants, grocery shops and very close to the Central Business District.

During the field trip portion of the program accommodations may include good quality, budget-style resort/lodge or backpacker accommodations. 

Students will be required to bring their own sleeping bag for the program.

You can feel certain that your housing will be safe, secure, and clean, and that you will be satisfied with your short course program choice. All housing fees are included in the Program Fees.

Travel: Group Flights

AustraLearn works together with STA Travel's group ticket office to arrange group flights for all short course students. This insures that students can travel as a cohesive group to the program destination. Airfare is not included in program fees and payment of airfare is the responsibility of the student, however AustraLearn seeks the lowest possible student rate before reserving seats for participants to purchase, while still maintaining the flexibility that allows students to explore the country or surrounding countries at the conclusion of their short term program.  

Flexible Return Date

Additionally, group flights have a flexible return date. Students may choose their own return date to allow for personal travel after the conclusion of the program. Many students choose to extend their time overseas and travel independently after the program's end. We can provide you with useful travel resources and advice, as well as refer you to travel opportunities that can be pre-booked.

Scholarships Available

Featured Scholarships For All AustraLearn Students

Participants of AustraLearn programs are eligible for scholarships through The Foundation for Asia Pacific Education. More information about these awards can be found at www.asia-pacificfoundation.org/.


Participants of AustraLearn programs are also eligible for the DiversityAbroad.com's Study Abroad Scholarship. Find more information and apply for this award at http://www.diversityabroad.com/scholarships.

Other General Study Abroad Scholarships

Fees

Fee Includes

Program Fees are in U.S. dollars. Program fees include tuition, lectures, host university administrative fees, offical transcript, excursions, culturally significant excursions, all domestic travel within Australia, accommodations, some meals*, health insurance, ISIC Basic card, field trips, and photography equipment. Fees include all pre-trip services such as: orientation materials, visa assistance, housing placements, personal advising, liaise with your home university, credit transfer assistance, and financial aid services.

* Included meals: food on the 5-day Outback field trip is provided where commercial supplies are not available; welcome dinner in Mildura with Australian chef, Stephan di Pietro. All other meals are the responsibility of individual participants. Plan to budget approximately $300-$400 USD for remaining meals.

**International airfare, most meals, personal expenses and excursions are not included in the program fees.

Fee Semester

Dates

Entry Requirements

AustraLearn Coordinator

Name: Kimberly Tibbetts Title: Manager, Short Term Programs Department: Short Courses and Specialty Programs BIO: Kimberly is the Manager of Short Term Programs at AustraLearn. Kimberly works with all Short Term Program Participants. Kimberly graduated with a BA in History from the University of Colorado-Boulder. While studying at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, Kimberly discovered a love for travel and international education. She has traveled extensively throughout New Zealand and hopes to see more of Australia and Europe. She is very excited about spreading her passion for education and travel.