Overview
This short course will help students understand the relationship between the environment and the complex factors involved in tourism activity, society, and resource allocation, through lectures and field trips.
Field and weekend trips may include excursions to
the Outback and Gold Coast with activities such as surfing lessons at Byron Bay; lighthouse walks; and visits to wildlife sanctuaries, Protestor’s Falls, Nimbin/Rainbow Region, Currumbin, Rocky Creek Dam, and the Minjungbul Aboriginal Centre.
Location
With a population of 45,000, Lismore is set in an area of unsurpassed natural beauty and just a half-hour drive from the beaches at Ballina and 45 minutes from scenic Byron Bay, Australia's most eastern point.
Located near both the rainforest and the ocean, you’ll find the lifestyle relaxing, friendly, and mentally stimulating. The surrounding hills are dotted with historical villages and rustic hamlets.
Nearby Nimbin is home to the Aquarius Festival and 'spiritual home' of Australia's alternative lifestyle movement. Lismore supports a flourishing arts community and a dynamic live music scene. With a full calendar of weekend markets, live performances, and cultural festivals, there is always something happening.
Academic Focus
Course Structure
A combination of classroom-based lectures from two of the leading tourism experts in Australia, Dr. Erica Wilson and Noah Nielsen, will be interspersed with a variety of day and weekend field trips. The course will focus around the idea of tourism and tourism will be the key topic of discussions throughout the 3 week course.
Course topics include:.jpg)
- Impacts of tourism
- Sustainable development and tourism planning
- Preparation and case studies of tourism plans
- Tourism planning and policy
- Ecotourism
- Indigenous tourism planning
- Tourism planning in less-developed countries
- Tourism monitoring and evaluation, and more.
Assessment
Assessment will comprise a variety of written assignments, including a field trip report and papers on tourism issues, plus active participation and discussion.
Credit
Upon successful completion of this course students will receive an official transcript from Southern Cross University equivalent to 3-4 university credits, 1 credit point at Southern Cross University.
Program Highlights
- Study, live, and explore in a vibrant, thriving, yet off-the-beaten-path location of Lismore and the world famous Byron Bay area
- Gain an in-depth understanding and knowledge of tourism and environmental issues from faculty experts from the
School of Tourism and Hospitality Management at Southern Cross University
- Enjoy a variety of day trips and weekend excursions which will reinforce classroom learning and bring lecture topics to life
Who Should Apply
Open to all students of at least sophomore standing. May be of particular interest to students studying any facet of tourism, sustainable development, area studies, and sociology but open to students of all backgrounds and majors.
Accommodations
The Reducing Global Footprint: Environmental Impacts of Tourism short term program will house students at a variety of different venues based on the location of the program.
Students will spend the majority of their program in Byron Bay in self-catered apartment style accommodations. Apartments will be fully furnished and will provide students with a fully equipped kitchen.
During the field trip portions 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.
To get started, visit the
AustraLearn Short Course Scholarship Resource page.
Fees
Fee Includes
Program Fees are in U.S. dollars. Program fees includes tuition, lectures, host university administrative fees, accommodation, lunch everyday and meals during field trips, transportation in Australia, orientation, program excursions, airport shuttle services, health insurance and ISIC Basic card. Fees include all pre-trip services such as: orientation materials, visa assistance, personal advising, liaise with your home university, credit transfer assistance, and financial aid services. **International airfare and most meals (breakfast and dinner) are an additional cost, along with personal expenses and personal travel and excursions.
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.