OverviewSouthern Cross University proudly continues the tradition of this iconic constellation by helping future generations – both nationally and internationally - to find their way on their own voyages of discovery in an increasingly complex world.
Southern Cross University is an Australian public university. The University has 5,000 students in Lismore and offers high quality academic programs in an environment that is safe, relaxed, friendly, and supportive. In fact, the University has a reputation for providing the most supportive environment for international students of any Australian university.
The University is a popular destination for students from the USA who are seeking a n on-city experience and the opportunity to discover the true culture, environment, and hospitality of Australia. It offers subjects in areas typically of interest to study abroad students and is situated in one of Australia's most beautiful locations.
The story of the Southern Cross… Southern Cross University was named after the constellation Southern Cross. This group of stars is best seen only in the night skies of the Southern Hemisphere and has been used by generations of explorers to help them find their way on countless voyages of discovery. It is composed of five stars shaped like a cross tilted to one side. It is a proud and significant symbol in Australia’s history associated with Australia’s move to establishing its national identity and is a fitting symbol of this progressive University.
 While studying at Southern Cross University, 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>LocationSouthern Cross University offers students a quality alternative to studying in a large capital city. It is located in the city of Lismore in northern New South Wales, a region of unsurpassed natural beauty.
Regular daily flights operate to Sydney (75 minutes) while Brisbane is only 2.5 hours away (by bus), and the Gold Coast is less than 90 minutes away (by bus). The town of Ballina, 30 minutes from the Lismore campus, is a popular beach suburb with three airlines offering regular flights to Sydney from this airport.
Students have easy access from Lismore to:
- Byron Bay: Byron Bay, Australia's most easterly point, is Australia's leading 'backpacker' destination and justifiably famous worldwide. It offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle set among some of Australia's best bathing and surfing beaches with whale watching, scuba diving, and hang-gliding being just some of its attractions. Byron Bay also plays host to several of Australia’s best-loved music festivals, the ‘Blues and Roots Festival’ held in April and ‘Splendor in the Grass’ held in July.
- Nimbin: Nimbin was born out of the famous 1973 'Aquarius Festival' and is a center of Australia's environmental awareness movement.
- Gold Coast: The Gold Coast is one of Australia's premier tourist spots with a number of popular theme parks, including Seaworld, Movieworld, Dreamworld, and Wet 'n Wild.
- Beaches: The coastline in the region is one of Australia's best, offering long stretches of idyllic beaches for swimming, surfing, fishing, or just lying around. These wonderful beaches are only 30 minutes away.
- Rainforest: The region has six national park areas that are world heritage listed, where students can enjoy bushwalking, beautiful rainforest walks, and mountain climbing.
Extracurricular ActivitiesThe University recognizes that study abroad students want to experience as much of the lifestyle, culture, and environment of Australia as possible during their time at the University. To facilitate this, a number of excursions and activities are arranged throughout each semester to the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, local national parks, and other well known areas.
The Office of Sport & Cultural Activities (OSCA) is located at the Lismore campus and takes a proactive role in ensuring a student’s life at SCU is a positive one by creating opportunities for students to participate in on-campus recreational programs adding to the SCU campus community experience.Academic HighlightsStudy abroad students have access to most of the subjects of study offered by the University. Many subjects include field trips as an integral part of the subject, providing students with additional opportunities to experience other aspects of Australia.
Learning at Southern Cross University may take place in traditional lecture theatres or in virtual classrooms, using state-of–the-art web-based audio technology. Learning may also involve field trips and workshops. Depending on the course of study, the virtual environment or e-classroom enables lecturers to actively engage with students in different locations and students to talk to each other using ‘interactive learning materials’
Outdoor Education
All study abroad students should consider enrolling in the unit 'Outdoor Education'. This subject is unique in Australia and is based on the concept of experiential learning. It introduces students to a variety of outdoor education activities making the best possible use of a number of spectacular national parks and wilderness areas that surround the University. There are two or three "base camps" in the unit, one in a rugged granite belt national park called "Girraween and Bald Rock", one in the wilderness rainforest of Nightcap and Border Ranges National Parks, and an optional expedition.
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 ServicesThe University provides the full range of academic and recreational facilities expected by students. This includes academic support services, a modern library, computing facilities (including free Internet and email access), cafeterias, clubs, sports facilities shops, etc. A new Leisure Center with health and fitness facilities including a pool is scheduled for completion in 2009. Along with traditional medical and counseling services, Southern Cross University also offers students access to the on-campus SCU Natural Medicine and Massage Clinic.HousingAll study abroad students have access to on-campus and off-campus accommodation, which provides single bedroom accommodation in a 2-6-bedroom apartment or house situated close to the university. All accommodation is self-catering with shared cooking facilities. The great advantages of sharing with Australian and other international students is the opportunity to make life-long friendships.OrientationAll students are offered a full orientation program in the week before classes commence. This program includes airport reception, accommodation placement, academic advice and enrollment, familiarization with the campus and surroundings and a number of excursions. The program has an emphasis on experiencing the best of the region with visits to Byron Bay and the Gold Coast.Special Programs/ExcursionsSCU provides all AustraLearn students with a complimentary trip to one of the following locations (varies by semester):
Each semester a special one-week 4WD camping excursion is held for study abroad students. While the trip varies it has recently been held between Ayers Rock (Uluru) and Alice Springs in Central Australia in an area justifiably famous worldwide. You would have the opportunity to experience places of spiritual significance to the local indigenous people such as Ayers Rock (Uluru), The Olga's, Kings Canyon (Watarka), and Palm Valley.
Another popular trip is the guided tour of Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island. For those students who wish to learn how to surf or dive while they are in Australia, the surf safari or underwater dive adventure held in the Byron Bay area are ideal.Community InvolvementWhile 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 Lismore 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 CoordinatorAlicia Houghteling is the AustraLearn Coordinator for Southern Cross University
View SubjectsClasses 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 | $9665.00 | | Housing | | With Meals | Not available at this university | | Without Meals | Starting at $2,850 | | Housing Deposit | | With Meals | Not applicable | | Without Meals | Refundable housing deposits range from approximately $200 - $1,200 and are billed in addition to the housing fees. |
Fee IncludesProgram 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. Fee SemesterThe 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. FactsLocation: Lismore, New South Wales
Overseas Students: 1100
Staff: 740
Total Enrolment: 7000
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 2010 Semester - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2010
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| Anticipated Departure | June 11, 2010 | | Start Date | June 13, 2010 | | End Date | October 11, 2010 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | August 9, 2010 - August 13, 2010 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| July 2010 Year - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2010
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| Anticipated Departure | June 11, 2010 | | Start Date | June 13, 2010 | | End Date | June 20, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | August 9, 2010 - August 13, 2010 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | March 24, 2011 - March 28, 2011 |
| February 2011 Semester - Spring | Application Deadline: November 15, 2010
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| Anticipated Departure | February 8, 2011 | | Start Date | February 10, 2011 | | End Date | June 5, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | April 10, 2011 - April 13, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | May 18, 2011 - May 22, 2011 |
| February 2011 Year - Spring | Application Deadline: November 15, 2010
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| Anticipated Departure | February 8, 2011 | | Start Date | February 10, 2011 | | End Date | October 12, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | April 10, 2011 - April 13, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | September 21, 2011 - September 27, 2011 |
| July 2011 Semester - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | June 14, 2011 | | Start Date | June 16, 2011 | | End Date | October 12, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 21, 2011 - September 27, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| July 2011 Year - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | June 14, 2011 | | Start Date | June 16, 2011 | | End Date | June 5, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 21, 2011 - September 27, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | April 10, 2012 - April 13, 2012 |
| February 2012 Semester - Spring | Application Deadline: November 15, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | February 7, 2012 | | Start Date | February 9, 2012 | | End Date | June 4, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | April 6, 2012 - April 9, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | May 14, 2012 - May 18, 2012 |
| February 2012 Year - Spring | Application Deadline: November 15, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | February 7, 2012 | | Start Date | February 9, 2012 | | End Date | October 15, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | May 14, 2012 - May 18, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | September 17, 2012 - September 21, 2012 |
| July 2012 Semester - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2012
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| Anticipated Departure | June 17, 2012 | | Start Date | June 19, 2012 | | End Date | October 13, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 17, 2012 - September 21, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| July 2012 Year - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2012
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| Anticipated Departure | June 17, 2012 | | Start Date | June 19, 2012 | | End Date | June 8, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 17, 2012 - September 21, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | April 9, 2012 - April 13, 2012 |
Entry RequirementsApplicants 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: 2.50
Free ExcursionEach semester a special, highly subsidized, one-week 4-wheel drive camping excursion is held for study abroad students. While the trip varies it has recently been held between Ayers Rock (Uluru) and Alice Springs in Central Australia, an area justifiably famous worldwide.
You would have the opportunity to experience places of spiritual significance to the local indigenous people such as Ayers Rock (Uluru), The Olga's, Kings Canyon (Watarka), and Palm Valley. These spectacular places are not found anywhere else in the world. You then get to 4-wheel drive up the old Finke River, camp overnight around a fire, swim in waterholes, and see no other travelers for days. This is the real Australia and an experience you will never forget.
A second optional trip, Queensland Adventure, may be taken to Great Keppel Island, a haven for diving and snorkeling and on to Fraser Island, which is the most prominent feature off Queensland's southern cost. It is the world's largest sand island and a place of remarkable natural beauty.
Optional trip three is to Brewarrana, the Aboriginal camp where you will make your own didgeridoo, eat bush tucker, and learn about the unique indigenous culture from an Elder and custodian of the region.AustraLearn Coordinator| Name: | Alicia Houghteling | | Title: | Coordinator, Outreach and Student Services | | Department: | Semester or Year Abroad in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji |
BIO:
Alicia is the visa coordinator for AustraLearn's study abroad programs, as well as the coordinator for Central Queensland University, James Cook University at Cairns and Townsville, Southern Cross University, University of Adelaide and University of South Australia. In addition, she helps with the study abroad admissions and participant pre-trip services including the new application stage for programs.
Alicia received her BS in Business from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, majoring in International Business and minoring in Spanish. She studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain, and during her time abroad, she was able to see London, Dublin, and Luxembourg . Alicia comes to AustraLearn from the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs, where she was an Undergraduate Recruiter.
Advice From The Coordinator:
Outdoor Education is Southern Cross University’s most popular subject. It introduces students to a variety of outdoor education activities making the best possible use of a number of spectacular national parks and wilderness areas that surround the university. |
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