Overview

With its rich variety of indigenous and immigrated cultures from around the globe, Australia is a world leader in the field of Community Cultural Development—community-based arts programs that describe the work of artist-organizers and other community members collaborating to express identity, concerns, and aspirations through the arts and communications media. In this course you’ll experience the importance of the arts in our societies and discover the many ways that the arts strengthen communities, by researching and participating in community-based arts programs that span the traditional fine and performing arts as well as media, oral history, ethnography, and social activism. You will realize the many ways in which you can play an active role in the cultural development of your own community upon returning home.

Location

This program will take place in two of Australia’s largest cities:

Melbourne, the cultural and sporting hub of the country

Melbourne has a wealth of diverse people, history, art, culture, and sports. While at first glance it bears its cultural pre-eminence quietly, just below the surface is the heart and soul of Australian performing arts, from rock music to opera to ballet. The visual arts in Melbourne offer everything from Aboriginal drawings to photography to modern sculpture; and sporting events present events from the Melbourne Cup horse race to Australian Rules Football's Grand Final to surfing's Bell's Beach Classic. The diversity of the city's population is best experienced through dinning. Whether it’s Greek or Italian, Chinese or Indian, Melbourne’s international districts line streets with cafes and restaurants offering the best multicultural experience and cuisine. There is always something going on in this thriving capital.
  

Brisbane, the riverside capital of tropical Queensland

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. 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

This three-week course combines classroom seminar-style discussions, visits to two Australian cities as you research model programs, and active participation in a Community Engagement Learning Experience. You will work in teams to create a documentary of a specific partner organization with video or photography and upload your digital story. Assessment for this course is based a daily field journal, essays, practical application (including one assignment due upon arrival), group discussion, engagement project, and final team-based digital stories.

As a result of this course, you will understand:

• The importance of the arts in your daily lives and the society in which you live

• How to engage in civic activity that impacts your community in a positive, sustainable way

• The effect a of strong community and your role in developing it

   

Program Highlights

• Compare American and Australian practices through discovering the many ways arts strengthen local communities in both countries
• Research model community arts programs in Australia’s three largest cities
• Participate in a Community Engagement Learning (service) project with an Australian community-based arts organization.  Check out some sample projects here: www.creativerecovery.net.au.
• Complete an electronic “digital story” using video or photography to document your experience
• Learn from one of the world’s leading experts in Community Cultural Development, Professor James Day from The College of New Jersey

Who Should Apply

Open to students of all majors who have completed at least one year of college or university study. May be of particular interest to students studying art, music, sociology, social sciences, communications, anthropology, community development, comparative studies, and related areas.

Accommodations

During the Community Arts in Australia program you will stay in a variety of accommodations based on the location of the course. 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.
 

Group Flights

We work together with STA Travel's group ticket office to arrange group flights for all short course students. This ensures that you can travel as a cohesive group to the program destination. Airfare is not included in program fees and payment of airfare is your responsibility, however we seek the lowest possible student rate before reserving seats for our participants to purchase, while still maintaining the flexibility that allows you to explore the country or surrounding countries at the conclusion of your short term program.   

Flexible Return Date

Additionally, group flights have a flexible return date. You may choose your 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 GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Students  

Participants of GlobaLinks Learning Abroad 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 GlobaLinks Learning Abroad 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 Short Course Scholarship Resource page.
 

Fees

Fee Includes

Program Fees are in U.S. dollars. Program fees include, tuition, official transcript, host university administrative fees, all domestic travel within Australia, accommodations, health insurance, ISIC Basic Card, some meals, all lectures, and excursions. 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 meals not shown on the itinerary are not included, along with personal expenses and excursions**

Fee Advice

Facts

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.