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University of Wollongong - Semester or Year Abroad

Overview

The University of Wollongong (UOW) is a modern, innovative center of learning, and provides a highly personalized environment for study. The University has very comprehensive academic offerings from engineering and information technology to Australian studies/Aboriginal Studies.

Not only will you receive a world-class education at UOW, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy the unique lifestyle that Wollongong and its surrounding regions offer. Wollongong’s coastal location provides a unique environment in which to live and study. Wollongong has access to all the facilities, entertainment and experiences you would expect in a larger city, and all in a beautiful environment less than ninety train ride south of Sydney, and only 2 hours from Canberra (the nation's capital). The city’s size also makes it easy to get around. The UOW campus is less than five kilometres from the city centre and beaches, and is easily accessible by public transport, bike or walking.

With around 400,000 residents, Wollongong is large enough to offer all the entertainment facilities and conveniences of the city, yet small enough to retain the friendly, relaxed atmosphere of a coastal community. Whether you’re interested in doing as much as possible while you're here, or just living the good life outdoors, the city has something for everyone.

The University is consistently ranked amongst the leading universities in Australia and is the only Australian university ever to have been awarded the prestigious University of the Year award in two consecutive years by the Good Universities Guides - in 1999/2000 for "Outstanding Research and Development Partnerships" (joint winner) and 2000/2001 for "Preparing Graduates for the e-world" (joint winner). Established in 1951, the University has a student population of over 18,000. Students from over 60 countries study together on an 82-hectare campus with many green spaces, ponds, streams and waterfalls.
 
The University is located in the city of Wollongong (pronounced ‘Wool-n-gong’), 50 miles south of Sydney. The main campus is situated at the base of Mt Keira, with many buildings on campus boasting mountain views.


While studying at University of Wollongong, you can maximize your study abroad experience by enrolling in the new 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 in Australia with AustraLearn. LEARN MORE>

Location

The University is located in the city of Wollongong (pronounced ‘Wool-n-gong’), 50 miles south of Sydney. Wollongong is a thriving city with the largest regional art gallery in Australia, a performing arts centre, and many pubs and nightclubs. The Wollongong WIN Sports & Entertainment Centre hosts many international performances and is the home of Wollongong 's successful National Rugby League Team, St. George Illawarra Dragons. Sports fans will find tickets to Rugby League, Soccer and many other sporting events/games plentiful and very affordable.

While studying at the University of Wollongong you’ll have the opportunity to take advantage of the city’s 17 patrolled beaches, and its shops, hotels and clubs. There is a range of local sporting competitions, including netball, cricket, rugby league, rugby union, and AFL. The Illawarra is also a great location for skydiving, hang-gliding and mountain biking if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous! The St George-Illawarra Dragons rugby league team and Wollongong Wolves soccer club both play regular home games.

Wollongong prides itself on its cosmopolitan atmosphere with numerous ethnic restaurants offering foods from Cajun to Vietnamese and Thai. Nan Tien Temple, or "paradise of the South" is the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere and dominates the skyline south of the city. With various shrines, a pagoda, meditation rooms, and extensive gardens, Nan Tien is popular with visitors and locals.
 
The Illawarra region makes the most of outdoor living and dining on the coast, offering a wide choice of restaurants, bars and sidewalk cafés; the variety of cuisine reflects Wollongong’s diverse multicultural community. The city has a wide choice of nightlife, with many pubs, clubs and live music venues—including the WIN Entertainment Centre, a 6,000-seat auditorium that attracts some of the biggest international and domestic artists. There are three major cinema complexes, as well as UniMovies on campus, which has the
largest cinema screen in the area and ticket prices from just $4. Wollongong also hosts a number of annual arts festivals and cultural events.

Extracurricular Activities

The University of Wollongong offers a variety of services to assist all study abroad students. The Study Abroad & Exchange office is located in Student Central in a central location on campus and is open five days a week to assist students with all of their questions upon arrival and throughout their semester/ year at the University of Wollongong.

All new international students to the University of Wollongong can take advantage of the free airport meeting service, accommodation assistance, Student Equity and Diversity Liaison Officers. Other essential services include the Learning Development Office, Disability Services and Counseling Services. 



Upon arrival, all study abroad students participate in a comprehensive Orientation program hosted both on campus and at the halls of residence. Study Abroad staff members are also available to assist students and liaise with home institutions as necessary.

Academic Highlights

Study Abroad students can choose programs from any of the University of Wollongong’s nine academic Faculties: Arts, Commerce, Creative Arts, Education, Engineering, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Informatics, Law, and Science. Popular choices for Study Abroad students include Australian studies, environmental studies, marine science, psychology and business.

The University is internationally recognized for Multimedia Studies, Information Technology, Telecommunications Engineering, Materials Engineering, Asia-Pacific Studies, Health Sciences and International Business.

The Faculty of Education offers a practical teaching option in Southeast Asia for full-year Education majors, and Faculty of Science programs in biological science, geoscience and marine studies include regular field trips during the semester.

In choosing your academic program for the University of Wollongong , you should enroll in 12-15 American hours of credit per semester. Typically, you are required to study 4 subjects at UOW per semester. Subjects are taught as a mixture of lectures, tutorials, laboratories and seminars with significant emphasis placed on written assessment. Science and Engineering disciplines usually include 3 hours of practical work per subject. If pre-requisites are met, and subject schedules do not conflict, you can choose any combination of subjects to meet your academic needs. You will usually sit a final exam for each subject and be assigned a letter grade for each subject according to regular departmental standards.

View Available Subjects

Classes are offered in a wide range of subjects. To see if the classes you need are available at this university, review the course catalog.
View courses/subjects available at this university.
Be sure to use the "help pages" for assistance on finding the courses that you need.

University Services

The University of Wollongong offers a variety of services to assist all study abroad students. All new international students to the University of Wollongong can take advantage of the free airport meeting service, accommodation assistance, Student Equity and Diversity Liaison Officers. Other essential services include the Learning Development Office, Disability Services and Counseling Services.

Upon arrival, all study abroad students participate in a comprehensive Orientation program hosted both on campus and at the halls of residence. Study Abroad staff members are also available to assist students and liaise with home institutions as necessary.

Housing

Study Abroad students can normally be accommodated in University housing if they apply by the deadline, but there is also plenty of private accommodation available in Wollongong.

 

By living @ UOW you will benefit from a commitment to providing an environment of high academic achievement, involvement, development and fun. The convenient locations, the professional staff, the community environment and the many social, cultural and sporting events that are held all add to the vibrant atmosphere of living @ UOW. Advantages of living @ UOW are many and include:

  • The new friendships that often last beyond university years and across countries 
  • Exposure to a wider range of people, ideas and cultures. 
  • The choice of living in catered, flexi catered or self catered styles of housing in a supportive, community based lifestyle 
  • Social activities including sports, cultural and community based activities 
  • A comfortable and secure living environment that is hassle free (no electricity or phone bills to pay) 
  • The convenient locations (all halls are a short distance by shuttle bus to the Uni and some are walking distance) 
  • Academic and pastoral support with a range of developmental and study support groups

Orientation

The Study Abroad Office coordinates a comprehensive Orientation day for Study Abroad students as part of the University's week-long program or O-Week as it is locally referred to. Students are given tips for adjusting to life and studies at UOW, ensure that they have enrolled prior to arrival into the appropriate subjects, receive an introduction to Surf Safety provided by local surf lifesavers, get a presentation on Australian Flora and Fauna and have an opportunity to get all of their questions answered. This program is only one day in the week’s orientation activities that campus hosts. The Halls of Residences also organize a number of social activities during this week, there isn’t a dull moment during O-Week.

Special Programs/Excursions

The University “Uni-Centre” organizes Student Development Programs designed to facilitate student participation in a range of extra-curricular programs that deliver useful skills and experiences to help students get ahead in the real world.

The International Programs Office on campus coordinates events throughout the semester to engage study abroad students in different programs such as the International Friendship Program, student rate local sightseeing excursions, a Cultural Ambassador Program and many other opportunities to engage with the University of Wollongong community as well as the local community.

The University also offers weekend and day trips to the Blue Mountains, Jenolan Caves, the Sydney Aquarium and Taronga Zoo. Other trips to Melbourne, Port Stephens, Jervis Bay, and the Snowy Mountains are promoted through the Study Abroad Office and organized by an independent travel company.

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 Wollongong 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 AustraLearn's Culture and Adventure 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 AustraLearn's Conservation Volunteer Weekend.

Meet the AustraLearn Coordinator

Jalyssa Brummer is the AustraLearn coordinator for University of Wollongong

View Subjects

Classes are offered in a wide range of subjects. To see if the classes you need are available at this university, review the course catalog.
View courses/subjects available at this university.
Be sure to use the "help pages" for assistance on finding the courses that you need.

Fees

Program Fees$9300.00
Housing
With MealsStarting at $4,665
Without MealsStarting at $3,315
Housing Deposit
With MealsRefundable housing deposits range from approximately $200 - $1,200 and are billed in addition to the housing fees.
Without MealsRefundable housing deposits range from approximately $200 - $1,200 and are billed in addition to the housing fees.


Fee Includes

Program fees are in U.S. dollars. Program Fees include tuition for 3 to 4 subjects, university administrative fees, membership in the student union (where applicable), overseas health coverage, ISIC Premium (International Student Identity Card), 25% Lonely Planet Book discount, also included is our renowned 6-day Bridging Cultures Program in Tropical Cairns, Australia.


Fees include all pre-trip services such as: orientation materials, visa-processing service (excluding the visa fee), housing placements, personal advising, subject selections, liaise with your home university, credit transfer assistance, and financial aid services. As a study abroad student, you will be required to enroll as a full time student. Your semester is equivalent to 12-16 U.S. credits. Additional tuition and/or fees may apply in some subject areas not limited to the following: science, engineering, fine arts, and journalism. Students who undertake subjects where the university requires additional fees will be billed by the host university. Several universities have included the Sports and Rec. membership. Activities are usually extra.


The Housing Fees are approximates and are in addition to the Program Fees. Housing fees listed include the least expensive option available for single accommodation in flats, houses and/or dormitories. AustraLearn offers a wide variety of accommodation options and costs allowing for individual budget considerations. 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. As a study abroad student, you will be required to enroll as a full time student. Your semester is equivalent to 12-16 U.S. credits. Additional tuition and/or fees may apply in some subject areas not limited to the following: science, engineering, fine arts, and journalism. Students who undertake subjects where the university requires additional fees will be billed by the host university. Several universities have included the Sports and Rec. membership. Activities are usually extra. The Housing Fee is in addition to the Program Fees and may be an average for universities with multiple housing options. Students who select “apartment living arranged upon arrival” will only be charged the Program Fees, and housing costs will be paid on arrival by the student.



Fee Semester

The Program Fees listed are for the February 2010 semester. Fees are subject to change for future terms. The Housing Fees listed are approximate figures based on the least expensive option available for accommmodation in flats, houses and/or dormitories. AustraLearn offers a wide variety of accommodation options and costs allowing for individual budget considerations.

Facts

Location: Wollongong, New South Wales
Overseas Students: 4860
Staff: 1590
Total Enrolment: 22700

Dates

All dates are provided by each university and are subject to change. AustraLearn will attempt to provide you with the most up-to-date information as we receive it. Be sure to confirm dates before finalizing any travel plans. 
July 2012 Semester - FallApplication Deadline:
Anticipated DepartureApril 15, 2012
Start DateJuly 18, 2012
End DateNovember 23, 2012
Mid Semester Break #1September 29, 2012 - October 7, 2012
Mid Semester Break #2 -
July 2010 Semester - FallApplication Deadline: April 15, 2010
Anticipated DepartureJuly 10, 2010
Start DateJuly 12, 2010
End DateNovember 18, 2010
Mid Semester Break #1September 27, 2010 - October 4, 2010
Mid Semester Break #2 -
July 2010 Year - FallApplication Deadline: April 15, 2010
Anticipated DepartureJuly 10, 2010
Start DateJuly 12, 2010
End DateJune 24, 2011
Mid Semester Break #1September 27, 2010 - October 4, 2010
Mid Semester Break #2March 21, 2011 - March 30, 2011
February 2011 Semester - SpringApplication Deadline: November 15, 2010
Anticipated DepartureFebruary 18, 2011
Start DateFebruary 20, 2011
End DateJune 26, 2011
Mid Semester Break #1April 10, 2011 - April 19, 2011
Mid Semester Break #2 -
February 2011 Year - SpringApplication Deadline: November 15, 2010
Anticipated DepartureFebruary 18, 2011
Start DateFebruary 20, 2011
End DateNovember 14, 2011
Mid Semester Break #1April 10, 2011 - April 19, 2011
Mid Semester Break #2September 28, 2011 - October 5, 2011
July 2011 Semester - FallApplication Deadline: April 15, 2011
Anticipated DepartureJuly 13, 2011
Start DateJuly 15, 2011
End DateNovember 14, 2011
Mid Semester Break #1September 28, 2011 - October 5, 2011
Mid Semester Break #2 -
July 2011 Year - FallApplication Deadline: April 15, 2011
Anticipated DepartureJuly 13, 2011
Start DateJuly 15, 2011
End DateNovember 14, 2011
Mid Semester Break #1September 28, 2011 - October 5, 2011
Mid Semester Break #2April 10, 2012 - April 19, 2012
February 2012 Semester - SpringApplication Deadline: November 15, 2011
Anticipated DepartureFebruary 11, 2012
Start DateFebruary 13, 2012
End DateJune 22, 2012
Mid Semester Break #1April 7, 2012 - April 15, 2012
Mid Semester Break #2 -
February 2012 Year - SpringApplication Deadline: November 15, 2011
Anticipated DepartureFebruary 11, 2012
Start DateFebruary 13, 2012
End DateNovember 23, 2012
Mid Semester Break #1April 7, 2012 - April 15, 2012
Mid Semester Break #2September 29, 2012 - October 7, 2012
July 2012 Year - FallApplication Deadline: April 15, 2012
Anticipated DepartureJuly 16, 2012
Start DateJuly 18, 2012
End DateJune 28, 2013
Mid Semester Break #1September 29, 2012 - October 7, 2012
Mid Semester Break #2April 6, 2013 - April 14, 2013

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have the required GPA and have completed at least the equivalent of one year of full-time study at the university/college level. Students with a lower GPA than the requirement may be considered on a case by case basis. Please contact our office for more information.

Required GPA: 3.00

Study-Internship Program

University of Wollongong provides an opportunity to earn academic credit for a part-time internship while studying abroad in Australia. This Study Internship Combination program provides an opportunity for students to integrate and apply their university knowledge in an industry context. The subject is offered as a 6 credit point elective. The following are a sample of placements which may be available: Marketing, Accounting, Research and Analysis, Human Resources and Public Relations.

AustraLearn Coordinator


Name:Jalyssa Brummer
Title:Senior Coordinator, Outreach and Student Services
Department:Semester or Year Abroad in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji
BIO:
Jalyssa manages study abroad admission and participant pre-trip services to Griffith University, LaTrobe University, Monash University, Swinburne University of Technology, The University of Melbourne, University of Wollongong, and the University of South Pacific.

Jalyssa graduated with a B.S. in Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism from Colorado State University. Her study abroad took her to Lincoln University in New Zealand where she gained a passion for international education and travel. While studying abroad she traveled New Zealand extensively, Australia, and Fiji. Additional travels have included backpacking Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Turkey, and the U.K.

Advice From The Coordinator:
Students love the area around Wollongong because of the wide range of fun things to do. Some favorites are Hang-gliding, Para-gliding, going to the Royal National Park, and hiking in the lush rainforest of Mt. Kiera.
A word from our alumni
"Wollongong was a great uni and town to live in. It's only an hour and a half train ride to Sydney, making it easy to do day or weekend trips there. The city is also in a beautiful location, right on the beach, and it has great nightlife."
S. Baltzly
University of Wollongong

 



 
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