Overview
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. 
The program includes field studies in the Wollongong region and the nearby South Coast of New South Wales. The study program integrates distinctive regional environmental and social issues and takes in both indigenous and non-indigenous aspects of environment and society. Key issues addressed will include: wildland fire management, joint-managed national parks, competing uses of land and natural resources, the region’s unique fauna and flora, Indigenous culture, and Australian history and culture.
Students will participate in hiking, wildlife observation and guest lectures from local experts in their relevant fields. The specific case studies are dependent on available expertise from University of Wollongong lecturers, relevant field based contacts and local Aboriginal communities. Participants will gain skills in field observations, research, cross-cultural approaches, and critical thinking.
Participants will gain skills in field observations, research, cross-cultural approaches, and critical thinking.
Location
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 natural
environment offers opportunities for surfing, hiking, and biking. The field study portion for both the January and the June programs will take place on the South Coast of New South Wales. The January program will also include field studies to Perisher in the Snowy Mountains (Kosciuszko National Park) in the south-east region of New South Wales. Students will also visit the capital city of Australia, Canberra for a day.
Hikes will include:
The Gulaga Walk in Gulaga National Park
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkHome.aspx. This hike is one of the
highlights of the 3 week trip in terms of interactions with an Indigenous Elder.
• The Lakes Walk in the Snowy Mountains is extremely beautiful, even in the summer students can witness a little bit of snow (January Term only).
• While in the mountains students will be accompanied by qualified national park guides on all walks (January Term only).
Academic Focus
Course Structure
Upon arriving in Wollongong, students spend one week on campus in lectures and orientation and
will begin preliminary research for a project that will be augmented by work in the field. The 10-day field study portion of the trip is then followed by a final week back on the University of Wollongong campus where lectures and presentations will be conducted. A variety of written assignments and a group presentation are
required.
Assessment
A variety of written assignments and a group presentation will be required
Credit
Upon successful completion of the course students will receive an official transcript from University of Wollongong for 4-5 U.S. credits for the course, the course is worth 8 credit points at the Univerity of Wollongong.
Program Highlights
- Explore a variety of topics related to natural, cultural, social, and environmental issues
affecting spectacular parts of regional Australia not typically visited by the average tourist in Australia.
- A 10-day intensive field studies trip to the South Coast of New South Wales
- Learn from faculty experts from the University of Wollongong.
- Students will immerse themselves in a unique cultural journey and will be encouraged to enter Australia with a spirit of adventure and enthusiasm. Our goal is to guide students
through a positive learning experience, one that you will never forget, and we will make
every endeavour to exceed your expectations.
Who Should Apply
Open to all students who have completed at least one year of full-time university study. May be of particular interest to those studying or with an interest in geography, anthropology, Aboriginal studies, environmental areas, cultural studies, or related areas.
Accommodations
The Regional Australian Field Studies: Mountains and Coasts short term program will house students at a variety of different venues based on the location of the program.
During the first and third weeks of the program students will be housed on the University of Wollongong campus at the
Campus East Accommodations. The accommodations are a short walk away from central campus. Students will be housed in single rooms with shared bathroom facilities. Students will receive a meal card to receive all meals directly on campus.
During the field trip portion (week 2) of the program accommodations may include good quality, budget-style resort/lodge or backpacker accommodations.
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
We encourage students to consider other information sources to locate scholarships such as your library, bookstore, internet, local service organizations such as Rotary or Knights of Columbus, and professional organizations in your area and home country which may offer scholarships.
Fees
Fee Includes
Program Fees are in U.S. dollars. Program fees include tuition, lectures, field trips, excursions, official transcript, accommodation, most meals, transportation in Australia, orientation, health insurance, ISIC Basic card, and airport shuttle services in Australia. 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.
**International airfare and some meals are an additional cost, along with personal expenses.
Fee Semester
The above stated fees are the finalized Summer 2010 Program Fees. Please contact AustraLearn directly for a detailed budget sheet or any questions about the Short Term Program fees. Program fees for future terms are subject to change.