Overview

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, formerly known as AustraLearn, offers semester and year abroad programs at The University of Newcastle. The University of Newcastle offers study abroad students the perfect combination of lifestyle and learning. Set in superb bushland and close to waterways, forests, and spectacular surf beaches, the University is internationally renowned and among the top ten research universities in Australia. The University's setting and relaxed atmosphere combine to offer an excellent environment for academic pursuits and personal development.

North American students are fully integrated into the life of the University both in the classroom and the halls of residence. The challenge of adjusting to the new academic and social environment is assisted by the friendly and open welcome given to students by the International Student Support staff, by the Australian students, and by the academics.

The University of Newcastle at Callaghan (the main campus) has one of the best campuses in Australia. Its 350 acres of natural bushland - complete with Australian wildlife - at the city edge affords you the peace and quiet necessary for successful study.

Learn More About University of Newcastle:

Location

Newcastle offers you a coastal landscape, surf beaches, working harbor, historic sites, the arts, and a vibrant nightlife.  It is ranked the #9 city in the world for 2011 by Lonely Planet. The Civic Cultural Precinct is where you'll find the Newcastle Regional Museum, Art Gallery, Civic Theatre, Civic Playhouse, and the University's Music and Business schools. The Newcastle East conservation zone covers an entire urban neighborhood preserving some of the best of the city's architectural heritage.

Newcastle's harbor waterfront and adjacent beaches are a popular leisure area for locals and visitors alike. Newcastle City hosts the This is Not Art Festival, Surfest, and the Maritime Festival, which annually attract tens of thousands of visitors from Sydney and the Central and Northern Coast.

The population of Newcastle is approximately 500,000 and supports a thriving business and commercial sector and an excellent network of health care and educational facilities. It is also a two-hour train ride from Sydney, the capital of New South Wales.

Less than an hour to the north of Newcastle is the magnificent harbor of Port Stephens, a popular center for big game fishing, sailing, scuba diving, surfing, and sail boarding. Less than a few miles south of the city is Australia's largest seaboard lake, Lake Macquarie – the scene of many national and international sailing events. To the west are the internationally famous wineries of the Hunter Valley.

Newcastle enjoys a pleasant climate year round - similar to the central Californian coast. Summer is warm to hot (68F - 83F) and winter is mild (49F - 64F).

Academic Highlights

University of Newcastle has been at the forefront in the development of Problem-Based Learning (PBL), both in Australia and internationally. PBL enables students to learn while solving problems that they are likely to come across in their professional lives. Used mainly in the disciplines of Architecture, Building, Health Sciences, and Medicine, PBL has been a marked success with students and with employers, who find that graduates tend to operate in the "real world" much more quickly and more efficiently than graduates who have experienced more traditional approaches to learning.

Ranked as one of the top ten research universities of Australia, the University of Newcastle currently employs three of the world’s top scientists as ranked by ISI (Institute for Scientific Information), as well as over 800 research academics and 150 research support staff. There are 1,000 research higher degree students studying across a wide range of disciplines.

Australian Flora and Fauna and Introduction to Aboriginal Studies are particularly popular courses for study abroad students, as they include excursions such as field trips to local Aboriginal spiritual sites, visits to National Parks, and Aboriginal archaeological digs.
 

Internships Available

Are you interested in completing a part time internship for credit while you take classes at the University of Newcastle? Learn More>
 

University Services

Housing

As a GlobaLinks Learning Abroad student you are guaranteed pre-arranged accommodation to fit your lifestyle. There are a variety of housing options available which you will apply for after acceptance. Read below for more specific options offered at this university:

The University of Newcastle offers accommodation in residential colleges and a “motel-type” residence located on the Callaghan campus. These co-ed residences are self- or partially-catered, single bedroom options. Students also have the option to live in pre-arranged self-catered, single or share bedroom apartments or share houses located near the central business district of Newcastle.

Orientation

In addition to the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program which is included in your program fees the University of Newcastle will provide a university specific orientation. International Student Support staff arranges initial reception for students who arrive in Newcastle by plane, train, or bus. An enrollment and orientation program for international students is held before the commencement of each semester or trimester.

The general University Orientation Week begins on the Monday before the beginning of each semester. The orientation program includes an official welcome by the Vice Chancellor (President) of the University, a party hosted by returned University of Newcastle exchange students, and day excursions such as a dolphin watch cruise, reptile park excursion, tours of the wineries, and late night shopping trips. Students are introduced to the University’s facilities via campus tours and receive briefings on the Australian academic system, cultural issues, recreational activities, sports clubs, and local travel destinations. Students are also assisted through enrollment and subject registration.

International Student Support provides on-going service in a range of educational and welfare matters, ensuring that students have access to all the services that will make their stay in Newcastle a rich and academically rewarding experience.

Scholarships Available

In addition to the scholarships offered by GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, University of Newcastle supports GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students with one $1,000 AUD award each semester.

Special Programs/Excursions

Get Involved Abroad

Extracurricular Activities

Central to student life is the University Union with over 25,000 members, which organizes many of the University's important cultural and social events such as the Orientation Ball, the Beach Party, Big Wednesday, and the Cultural Awakenings Festival. It also regularly hosts national and international bands at the Bar-On-The-Hill. Free bands, movies, and comedy acts are available every week.

The University boasts exceptional sporting facilities including the Forum Sports and Aquatic Centre. The Forum features an eight-lane, heated indoor Olympic swimming pool, Australia's second highest rock climbing wall (60 feet), a dedicated circuit room, 22-station electronic cardio theatre, aerobic studio, martial arts/dance studio with fully-sprung floors, and a large fully equipped gymnasium.

The Sports Union offers a variety of recreational and sporting activities from belly dancing, mountaineering and snow skiing to archery, fencing, and the martial arts. Squash, badminton, tennis, basketball, volleyball, soccer and football facilities are available, as well as off-campus access to golf, surfing, water skiing, and other sports.

Community Involvement

While abroad, we recommend getting involved in your local community. It's an awesome way to meet locals, experience the true Australian culture, and create long lasting memories. From volunteering to festival-going, we challenge you to make the most of your international experience... See a sample of community involvement opportunities available in Newcastle or discover your own upon arrival!

You'll get a taste of how enriching community involvement can be during your first few days in Australia on the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program. The program includes one day of pre-arranged volunteering with the local community. You'll interact directly with locals while giving back to and sharing your own culture with the community that first welcomes you to Australia. Plus, you can continue your volunteer efforts later in the semester by signing up for the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Conservation Volunteer Weekend.

Enhance Your Experience

Global Identity Course

While studying at Newcastle, you can maximize your study abroad experience by enrolling in the Global Identity course (EdPA 3103 Connecting Your International Experience to Your Future). The course will help you articulate the value of your experience to future employers, demonstrate your intercultural development and skills, and understand intercultural interactions.

This one-credit, online course is offered by the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities exclusively for students studying with GlobaLinks Learning Abroad. LEARN MORE>

Global Citizens Development Modules

The  Global Citizen Development modules are online learning components designed to help you explore your study abroad destination and experience at a whole new level. These modules are not mandatory, however we strongly encourage your participation as they will introduce you to the opportunities and challenges you may encounter when participating in a study abroad program, as well as expose you to cultural insights and knowledge about your host country to help make your program abroad even more successful and fulfilling. Through the 3 modules, you will refine your skills in cross-cultural observation, adaptation, and communication.  

Course Catalog

Photo Slideshow

Watch a slideshow of photos highlighting the University of Newcastle.

Fees

Fee Includes

Program Fees: As a GlobaLinks Learning Abroad study abroad participant, you will be required to enroll as a full-time student; typically this is 3-4 classes, which is equivalent to 12-16 U.S. semester credit hours. Your program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the host university semester tuition for 4 subjects, university administrative fees, overseas health insurance, the Basic ISIC card, our renowned Bridging Cultures Program on-site orientation and the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Personalized Support and Service.

With GlobaLinks Learning Abroad you will receive Personalized Support and Service through our four point philosophy to manage your program:

1.) Personal Program Selection & Planning: Personal service & advising, academic planning and credit transfer assistance, program location, housing advice, financial assistance.

2.) Pre and Post Orientation and Preparation: Our MyLearn on-line enrollment information and process, comprehensive program information and departure webinar, immigration visa support and advice, airline ticket and group flight assistance, global citizen development modules.

3.) Cultural Integration: On-site Bridging Cultures Program, on-site resident director services and advising, academic support, guaranteed housing and placement, volunteer and community involvement opportunities.

4.) Reflection and Application of the Experience: Beyond Study Abroad Program, The EnCompass Alumni Program, program evaluation opportunity, resume building and review, alumni handbook and transcript services. 

Housing Fees: The Housing Fees are approximates and are in addition to the Program Fees. GlobaLinks Learning Abroad offers you “Housing to Fit Your Lifestyle” and you are guaranteed a placement in a wide variety of quality housing options to accommodate your academic, personal and budgetary needs during your experience abroad. The housing fees listed indicate an approximate cost for the options available on that program which may represent apartments/flats, houses and/or dormitories/residential halls, living within the local community or on-campus with locals and other international students. Private single rooms are standard (although double rooms are available) and are fully furnished, including comfort amenities with access to internet and telephone. Students who choose to arrange their own accommodation upon arrival will be charged the Program Fee only, as they will be responsible for making payment directly to the housing provider once accommodation has been arranged.

Additional Subject & Gym Membership Fees: Additional charges may apply for science, media, fine arts, or journalism subjects at some universities and students who undertake subjects where the university requires additional fees will be billed directly by the home university upon final enrolment. Gym and student union memberships are optional to students. If you wish to join, you may do so on arrival by contacting the international office at your host university.

 

Fee Advice

Facts

Dates

Entry Requirements

Programs in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji Coordinator

Name: Rebecca Oihus Title: Senior Coordinator, Outreach and Student Services Department: Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji Semester/Year Abroad Team BIO: Rebecca manages study abroad admissions and participant pre-trip services for students attending International College of Management Sydney (ICMS) University of the South Pacific, Bond University, and University of Newcastle. Rebecca graduated with a BA in International Relations and Spanish from St. Cloud State University, Minnesota in 2006. She studied abroad for a semester at La Universidad de Concepcion in Chile and was a participant in a short-term study abroad program to China. She has also traveled to Belgium and the Canary Islands. Advice From The Coordinator: This is a great campus if you want to be in a small city, close to the beach, and within a couple of hours of Sydney. Many students find off-campus housing along the beach and take transportation to the University.