Overview

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, formerly known as AustraLearn, offers semester and year abroad programs at Edith Cowan University. Edith Cowan University (ECU) offers an outstanding environment for students: the latest facilities, award-winning staff, innovative and relevant courses with a practical, hands-on approach to learning; opening the door to many job opportunities for graduates.

ECU is an innovative university which prides itself on being relevant to the real world. ECU graduates are sought after by employers, as they are considered highly effective within their industries and are ready for the modern global environment. This is due to ECU’s unique approach to education and focus on the right balance of practical and theoretical learning.

More than 24,000students make up ECU’s culturally diverse student body, with nearly 5,600 international students from over 90 different countries around the world.

ECU is rated as a five star Teaching Quality University and ECU’s MBA is rated 5-star for its Corporate Links and 5-star for the Academic Qualifications of its teaching staff. (The Good Universities Guide 2009)  

Learn more about Edith Cowan University:

Location

About Perth

Perth, located in Western Australia (WA), is a vibrant, sophisticated city and is the closest major Australian capital to many cities in Asia, Africa, and Europe. A city of beauty, energy, and affluence with a standard of living that is amongst the highest in Australia and the world!

WA has quickly gained global recognition for its record low unemployment rate, healthy economy, and dedication to ongoing, state-of-the-art development of science and technology. The state of WA offers a truly authentic Australian experience, offering long days of sunshine and a mild Mediterranean climate with spotless blue skies and brilliant beaches.

As well as being a beautiful, friendly and safe city, Perth offers all the cosmopolitan attractions of a large international city. Perth boasts hundreds of restaurants and cafes, cinemas, nightclubs, and music venues as well as great shopping. The warm, sunny climate is also perfect for sporting and leisure activities – everything from tennis to golf through to whale watching and sailing. 

Around the University

ECU has three convenient campuses, two of which are available to GlobaLinks Learning Abroad semester/year abroad students:

The Joondalup Campus is where the University’s headquarters are situated. With exceptional award- winning facilities including the innovative Health and Wellness Building, a fully equipped sport and fitness centre, iconic library, outdoor cinema during the summer months and on-campus accommodation, ECU caters to every student’s needs. The Joondalup Campus is only a few minutes away from the Joondalup City Center where residents and visitors enjoy the cosmopolitan feel and excellent selection of shops, restaurants and cafes. The beautiful Mullaloo Beach is just a 10-minute car ride away and has excellent facilities for all ages.

The Mount Lawley Campus is conveniently located only minutes from Perth’s vibrant CBD and is well serviced by public transport. The Mount Lawley campus is recognized for its comprehensive teaching resources, premium IT and performing arts facilities, sport and fitness centre and excellent on-campus accommodation. It is also home to the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts Explore the funky cafes and specialist boutiques of the surrounding areas or the multi-cultural dining, great shopping, and lively nightlife of the city.

Academic Highlights

ECU prides itself on being relevant to the workplace, not just the classroom and its courses have a large practical component. This may take the form of practicum/work placements and industry-based assignments, offering students the opportunity to work in modern day laboratories or teaching facilities while discussing real life case studies.

ECU delivers more than 400 degree programs, providing a diverse range of unit selection for study abroad students including from such unique areas as Aviation, Motorsports, Game Design, Photomedia, and Mechatronics.

ECU Study Areas:

• Biology, Chemistry & Environmental Science

• Business

• Communications & Arts

• Engineering & Technology

• Exercise, Biomedical & Health Sciences

• Law & Justice

• Nursing

• Psychology & Social Science

• Security & Computer Science

• Sport, Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management

• Teacher Education

• Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (restrictions apply)

• Urban & Regional Planning

   

University Services

ECU is a modern, innovative university, which provides a supportive learning environment through a variety of services and state-of-the-art facilities, from career guidance to academic support.

ECU Facilities

• ATMs
• Bookshop
• Coffee Shops
• e-Labs (24-hour access)
• Childcare/ Crèche
• Hairdresser
• Health Services
• Library (24-hour access)
• Multifaith Chaplaincy Service
• Optometrist
• ECU Sports & Fitness Centre

• Pre-Departure Information
• Arrival Reception Service
• Assistance with finding housing (Off Campus Housing Office)
• Orientation Week
• Living in Perth seminars and information
• Social Events
• Learning Advisors
• Student Counseling Service
• Career Services
• Schooling of Dependents of ECU Students

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 are encouraged to apply for as soon as possible. Read below for more specific options offered at this university:

The University recognizes the special accommodation needs of international students and offers a comprehensive service to assist international students in all aspects of accommodation before arrival, on arrival, or at any time during the course of studies.

Housing options for GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students include:

Joondalup campus: Joondalup has on-campus accommodation and private rental accommodation close to the campus. Public transport to Joondalup is by train or bus with a free CAT bus running between the Joondalup train/bus station and the campus.

Mount Lawley campus: On-campus accommodation is available in a brand new student village and a range of private apartments and houses are available close to the campus. Public transport to Mt Lawley is by train or bus.

Orientation

In addition to the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program which is included in your program fees, Edith Cowan University will also provide an orientation program for international student. Orientation commences prior to the start of classes in semester one and two and incorporates a range of activities designed to equip new students with the skills and confidence to adjust to uni life and all you need to know about living in Perth. It’s a perfect opportunity for new students to get acquainted with the campus, their study schedule and the university support services as well as meet new people and have some fun!

ECU is proud to offer an Arrival Reception service to all new students arriving in Perth to study at ECU. You will be met at the airport, at a pre-arranged time, and transported to your accommodation (booking required)

Special Programs/Excursions

Study abroad students can sign up to the ECU Buddy Program where they can be matched up to an ECU student prior to arrival in order to help them settle into their new cultural and academic environment.

Explore the beautiful state of Western Australia by joining excursions to Rottnest Island, the Pinnacles, Margaret River, Monkey Mia, Ningaloo Reef and many more offered by ECUCISWA and other ECU partners.

Get Involved Abroad

Extracurricular Activities

Study Abroad students can get involved in a wide range of activities at ECU and participate in various day trips organized by the ECU Study Abroad Team. Learn to surf, sand boarding, 4 wheel-driving in the dunes, wildlife park visits, wine tasting and other social events are offered during the semester. The Council for International Students in Western Australia also offer regular sightseeing activities so you can make the most of your study abroad semester.

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 Perth 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 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 Edith Cowan University, 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

To determine if the classes you need are available at this university, select Courses/Subjects to view the specific course options.

Tips: For advice on navigating the university’s course catalog, use the Selecting Courses link. You may also view the suggested grade and credit transfer information through the Grade Conversion.

If you have any questions about course availability, please contact studyabroad@globalinksabroad.org.  

Photo Slideshow

Watch a slideshow of photos highlighting Edith Cowan University.

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: Andrea Lipkin Title: Senior Coordinator, Outreach and Student Services Department: Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji Semester/Year Abroad Team BIO: Andrea manages study abroad admission and participant pre-trip services to Central Queensland University, James Cook University, Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University and the University of Western Australia in Australia and AUT University in New Zealand. Andrea has been fortunate to visit Australia several times and has loved her experiences down under. She spent a semester as an undergraduate student at James Cook University in Townsville, Australia and had the opportunity to travel extensively on the east coast. She completed her B.A. in Psychology from Gettysburg College and played varsity soccer. Andrea's first position in the field of international education was at Brown University, where she spent five years as a Study Abroad Advisor. Professionally, she traveled to Australia to participate in a site visit to seven Australian universities. In addition she traveled to the North Island of New Zealand for pleasure. Andrea earned a M.S. in College Student Personnel from the University of Rhode Island. During her graduate program, she interned in the University of New South Wales Study Abroad Office in Sydney, Australia. Andrea has been involved with NAFSA where she has presented on the use of technology in study abroad and presented her graduate research about how to increase the particpation of varsity student athletes in study abroad programs. Andrea's additional international travels have included trips to Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, South America and Europe. Andrea looks forward to helping AustraLearn students plan their adventure abroad! Advice From The Coordinator: The area around Perth is amazing. The people are very friendly and the scenery is amazing! Students really love hanging out in Fremantle, or "Freo" as the locals call it. It is full of great restaurants, cafes, and shops.