Overview

Thousands of students graduate college each year but have little direction of what to do next in life. Surprisingly, few graduates are equipped with the skills and confidence that will empower them to achieve their goals or adapt successfully into a professional career.

Leadership training is an extremely valuable tool for developing such skills across any and all disciplines, and leadership is considered one of the most broadly needed skills among recent graduates and professionals. In today’s world, there is significant demand for a new generation of leaders who can bring about positive change in local, national, and international affairs.

This summer short course emphasizes leadership, personal development, and team building. Students already practicing leadership skills and those who might not otherwise see themselves as leaders or as team players will both realize their ability to develop in these areas. You will also come away with a sense of accomplishment and pride after your experience.

This program is based off our Challenge New Zealand: Leadership Development program.  Academic components of both courses are very similar with differing locations and activities.

Location

Known to many as the "Land Down Under", Australia's biggest attraction is its natural beauty. The sixth largest country in the world, Australia is nearly the same size as the continental United States and home to 20 million people. Australia is well known for its varied landscapes from the red deserts of the Outback to the white sand beaches that surround nearly the entire continent. Yet despite all of Australia's amazing physical features the real beauty of the country can be found in each of its amazing residents. The Australian people are arguably some of the friendliest people on Earth. With their undeniable love of sport and laid-back "Give it a Go!" attitude, the Australian people are what really give this remarkable country it's reputation as a must see destination.
 

During this program, students will visit the following locations:

Sydney

Sydney is the most populous city of Australia and is built around Sydney Harbour, leading to its’ nickname, "the Harbour City". It is most noted for the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and beaches such as Bondi. With 240 days of warm sunshine and multiple fun activities to choose from, many view Sydney as Australia's favorite city. The city itself is surrounded by national parks (with majestic mountain ranges & the World Heritage Rainforests of the Blue Mountains), contains many bays (such as the endless white sandy beaches of Port Stephens), and rivers and inlets (making it a delightful wine growing area such as the Hunter Wine Valley). There are also the outback, koala and animal farms, and fruit picking orchards. Between the museums, shops, dinning, harbor cruises, botanic gardens, beaches, historic sights, and eco-delightful surroundings, Sydney is endlessly discoverable. 
 

Arrawarra

Arrawarra is a coastal locality in the North Coast region of New South Wales. Arrawarra is near many attractions including Flora Reserve, Yuragir National Park, and Lower Bucca State Forest. It is a perfect location for a number of water based outdoor recreation activities such as surfing, sea kayaking, snorkeling as well as everyday opportunities to see whales and dolphins as they travel up and down the coast. The local Aboriginal community has a strong connection with the land and offer genuine cultural experiences.

Tweed Valley

Tweed Valley in the spectacular Northern Rivers region of tropical New South Wales is a very much undiscovered country as far as the majority of tourists go. It is home to southern hemisphere's largest extinct volcano, the Tweed Caldera, with rivers and creeks meandering through lush green valleys and towering rainforests. The Tweed Valley region's 250,000 acres of World Heritage national parks lush in their greenery are a delight to discover. 
 

Brisbane

Brisbane, Queensland's capital city, is built upon the banks of the Brisbane River. The city bustles as a major center for the arts, a shopper's dream, and a gourmet's delight. You can cuddle a koala, see sheep shearing, or hand feed wild dolphins at Tangalooma Island Resort. As the base for the busy surrounding tourist destinations, Brisbane provides the perfect beginning for discovering the many wonders of Southeast Queensland.

Brisbane is Australia's third largest city. Brisbane enjoys a sub-tropical climate of hot humid summers and mild dry winters. On the banks of the Brisbane River, the city's suburbs sprawl out to Moreton Bay and through the foothills of the D'Aguilar Range. Lookouts on Mt Coot offer excellent views of Brisbane and its suburbs.

In the heart of the city is Queen Street shopping mall, and the city is compact and easy to explore. Brisbane is a scenic city, surrounded by hills and lookouts, with several impressive bridges spanning the Brisbane River.

Academic Focus

Challenge Australia: Leadership Development is based off our Challenge New Zealand: Leadership Development program.  Academic components of both courses are very similar with differing locations and activities.

This program is designed to educate students in the best teaching environment there is…the real world! This short course is designed to be an experiential study to supplement classroom understanding.

Learning will be encouraged through the following mediums:

• Australian cultural and eco-tourism site visits
• On-location presentations by local experts such as educators and tourism operators with the opportunity to present questions
• Exposure to Australian culture, customs, and heritage on a daily basis
• Cultural immersion and self sufficiency through promotion of activities such as ‘unplanned dining’ or ‘local cuisine cooking’ opportunities
• Unscheduled time to explore the Australian culture on a personal level
• Outdoor recreation that aims to challenge, inspire and provide the canvas to apply leadership learning
   

Course Structure

Students will fly into Sydney, Australia to start the program.  The group will have a Program Introduction, which explores the differences and similarities between American culture and that of Australia. Essential safety advice is covered, as well laws relating to the country to ensure a happy and safe stay. During the presentation, participants will receive a detailed course itinerary and have the opportunity to ask any questions they may have.

They will then spend the next 3 days exploring Sydney, including a walking tour around the city, a cruise around the Sydney Harbour to learn about the unique culture and Aboriginal heritage of the area, and hearing from guest leadership lecturers.  The group will then travel to Arrawarra, which is near many attractions including Flora Reserve, Yuragir National Park, and Lower Bucca State Forest. During this time, the group will participate in group activities, such as a surf lesson, snorkeling, and sea kayaking. They will also complete a community service project where they will work with park rangers and local community of a preservation project in the Yuragir National Park.  

The group will then spend 4 days at Inter-Action, an experiential learning program that specializes in outdoor education. While at Inter-Action, students will build upon their leadership and teamwork skills by participating in a variety of outdoor activities.  Learn more about Inter-Action.

The conclusion of the program will be held in Brisbane.  Students will attend a final leadership seminar, have time to work on course assignments, and will be able to explore this popular area of Australia.  

Assessment

Students will participate in online discussions and/or assignments prior to departure. While in Australia, students will keep a reflective journal and work towards a final paper due at the end or after the course concludes.

Credit

Students will receive an official transcript from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with 4 Leadership Studies Credits upon completion of the course.
 

Inter Action Experiential Learning

Inter-Action is a specialist in providing experiential learning in the outdoors. At Inter-Action they believe adventure, fun, challenges, healthy risk taking and quiet reflection are the components that often make for a great personal development experience. The Inter-Action experience is made up of canoeing, bushwalking, mountain biking, orienteering, high ropes courses, low ropes courses, adventure games, pioneering, rock climbing, and expeditions on foot, by canoe or mountain bike or a combination of these constitute the range of outdoor education activities offered in the Tweed Valley. Activities are subject to change for each term.

We grow as human beings when we leave our comfort zone. If we are comfortable there is no reason to grow and move on. Outdoor education places people in an environment that is safe yet challenging, difficult yet enjoyable. Wet, cold, tiredness, darkness, being dirty are inevitably followed by being dry, warm and clean with the sun illuminating a new, refreshing day.  Participation is strongly encouraged in all outdoor pursuits and activities, but it is 'challenge by choice'.

While at Inter-Action you will be camping for 3 nights in a tent. There are hot showers and toilets available. Tents and camping equipment will be provided.

Learn more about Inter-Action

Mojosurf

During the program, you will have an opportunity to learn how to surf at Mojosurf. Mojosurf focus on 5 key areas to have you up and surfing with confidence and style. With years of experience Mojosurf has developed superior instructional techniques to assist all levels of surfers from beginner to advanced.

1. Instructors: Fully qualified instructors with level one beginner and level two advanced coaching qualifications to ensure you surf at your best. Their instructors are in the water with you assisting every step of the way. Mojosurf also uses photo and video analysis to help you see where your surfing is at.
2. Locations: They only surf on the best beaches to suit your ability. They can be flexible to customize the trip to get the best surf for the group.
3. Equipment: Anybody can surf. With a wide range of current boards and wetsuits, they can ensure that you get the best equipment to assist your surfing journey.
4. Safety: Surf safety and ocean awareness is their highest priority which their instructors will ensure you become well trained in.
5. Fun: The best surfer in the world is the one having the most fun. Having a good time all-round is the cornerstone to the success of their surf schools. You will be having a blast in no time.

Program Highlights

• Build upon leadership and teamwork skills in an experiential learning course
• Explore Sydney other exciting Australian destinations as you travel up the eastern coast
• Australian speakers, a volunteer service project and local tours to key attractions give you an immersion into the unique Australian culture and way of life
• Experience personal transformation and self-awareness as you work together with a group of like-minded students from throughout North America

Who Should Apply

Open to students of all majors who have completed at least one year of full-time university study. May be of particular interest to those studying sociology, cultural studies, outdoor education, environmental issues, or related areas.

Accommodations

During the Challenge Australia: Leadership Development program you will stay in a variety of accommodations based on the location of the course. You can expect to be housed in shared accommodation. During your time at Inter-Action, you will be camping for three nights. Hot showers, toilets, and camping equipment will be available during this time. 

All accommodation meets strict standards and has been personally inspected by GlobaLinks Learning Abroad. 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.

Group Flights

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad works together with STA Travel's group ticket office to arrange group flights for all short course students. This ensures 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, GlobaLinks Learning Abroad 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 Global Scholars. More information about these awards can be found at www.foundationforglobalscholars.org.

Participants of AustraLearn programs are also eligible for theDiversityAbroad.com's Study Abroad Scholarship. Find more information and apply for this award at 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 include tuition, lectures, all in-country transportation, accommodation, some meals, excursions, official University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh transcript, health insurance, ISIC Basic Card, all activities and field trips. 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, some meals and personal expenses and excursions are not included in program fees.

Fee Advice

Dates

Entry Requirements

Programs in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji Coordinator

Name: Kimberly Tibbetts Title: Manager, Short Term Programs Department: BIO: Kimberly is the Manager of Short Term Programs. Kimberly works with all Short Term Program Participants studying in Australia and New Zealand. 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, Australia and Western Europe. She is very excited about spreading her passion for education and travel.