Overview

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, formerly known as AustraLearn, offers semester and year abroad programs at Griffith University. Griffith is a young and dynamic university with a focus on issues of global importance and has established a reputation as one of the nation's leading universities. With campuses positioned in Queensland's fastest growing area, the Brisbane-Gold Coast corridor, the University caters for more than 40,000 students, including more than 10,000 international students from over 130 nations. More than 3, 000 staff includes outstanding teachers and researchers as well as administrative staff across the University to support your Griffith experience.

You can choose to study in either the Gold Coast, at the Griffith Gold Coast campus, or in Brisbane at the Nathan, Mt Gravatt (within 10 minutes of one another), or Brisbane City campuses. The Brisbane City campus at South Bank is located 20 minutes from the main Nathan campus and is home to the Queensland Conservatorium (Australia's largest music school) and the Queensland College of Art (one of Australia’s oldest art and design colleges).

The University is committed to excellence in teaching, learning, and research. It offers a comprehensive range of degree programs and multidisciplinary courses for a changing world. Griffith University is culturally diverse and has exchange agreements with more than 220 overseas institutions.
 

Learn more about Griffith University:

 

Location

Location Quickfacts (estimated) Distance to center by bus: 25 minutes Distance to nearest airport: 40 minutes

About Brisbane

Queensland is the fastest growing state in Australia with the perfect climate of mild winters and warm summers. It has beautiful forests and beaches, and is safe and secure with a clean environment. The Great Barrier Reef and the Gold Coast are among the internationally famous tourist attractions in the state.

Brisbane is the capital of Queensland. It is a beautiful city set on the Brisbane River with gardens and entertainment areas located on the riverbanks. It is cosmopolitan, with excellent shopping and transport facilities. You can also easily find foods from all over the world. It is a city in which you will enjoy living and studying.

Around the University

Nathan and Mt Gravatt campuses
These campuses, separated by an 8 lane freeway but connected by a free shuttle bus and bikeway, are located about 15 minutes drive from Brisbane Central Business District (CBD). Despite their attractive bushland setting both campuses are within 10 minutes bus ride from a major shopping center which has banking facilities, movies, restaurants, grocery shops and other convenient amenities. The main mode of transport in this area is buses; however trains and ferries are frequently used by many locals to access the CBD and other areas of Brisbane. The city and its surrounds is home to approximately 1.7 million, so living on and around campus is extremely convenient and very appealing for students, considering the wide range of amenities and extra-curricular activities available to them.

South Bank campus
The South Bank campus is home to the Queensland College of Art (QCA), Griffith Film School and Queensland Conservatorium (QCGU). Ideally located in Brisbane’s picturesque South Bank Parklands, the campus is only a 10-minute walk from the Brisbane CBD and is adjacent to the Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art, the State Library, Museum, Performing Arts Complex and the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre. Students can access welfare, counselling and other support services. While campus food outlets are available at QCA and QCGU, you can choose from a vast range of cafés, restaurants and bars located in the South Bank cultural precinct and shopping centers are also within walking distance to access banks and grocery shops.
 

Academic Highlights

Griffith teaches across most academic disciplines and has particular strengths in:
 

• International Business & Asian Studies
• Environmental Science
• Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Management
• Visual & Creative Arts, Film & Animation
• Exercise Science & Nutrition
• Criminology & Criminal Justice
• Social Justice and Social Enterprise
• Information & Communication Technology
• Engineering (Civil, Coastal, Construction Management, Environmental, Electronic)

Griffith is home to one of the oldest and most competitive art colleges in Australia, the Queensland College of Art (QCA) and the Queensland Conservatorium of Music at Griffith University (QCGU) – one of Australia’s leading music institutions.

The Griffith Business School has AACSB International accreditation and is a member of the Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative.

A number of Griffith academic staff are recognized each year with Australian Learning and Teaching Council Awards for Teaching Excellence and Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning.
 

University Services

• Student access to Internet and e-mail, including wireless hot spots
• Teaching and research laboratories
• Dedicated Study Abroad team
• Academic support workshops for students (eg. academic writing, library skills, computing skills, time management)
• 24-hour student access computer labs
• On-campus health center (Nathan campus)
• Visual art studio (South Bank campus)
• Retail facilities (Nathan campus) including bookshop, post office, travel agent, bank teller machines, cafes

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 will apply for after acceptance. Read below for more specific options offered at this university:

In Brisbane, Griffith University Residences provide an ideal physical and community-based living environment for students to undertake their university education and are located on campus at the Nathan and Mt Gravatt campuses. Off-campus accommodation is available in the suburbs near both campuses and close to Brisbane City, and Griffith University Campus Life assists students with identifying off-campus options.

Orientation

In addition to the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program which is included in your program fees, Griffith University will provide an onsite orientation after arrival at the university. The transition to a new culture for arriving international students is an experience that has a certain element of anxiety and stress. Griffith University’s International Office has staff committed to helping international students adjust to their new academic and living environment. A comprehensive orientation program specifically designed to meet the needs of study abroad students has been developed, and staff of the Study Abroad & Exchange Office are available to assist students throughout their time at Griffith.

Scholarships Available

In addition to the scholarships offered by GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, Griffith University offers four USD$500 scholarships per year for GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students.
 

Special Programs/Excursions

Study Abroad students participate in a focused orientation session that provides the key information required for students to make the most of their time at Griffith. Orientation is followed by a meet-and-greet function which gives all new study abroad students an opportunity to extend their network. Additional excursions include:

• An optional 3-day Bryon Bay orientation trip is available to study abroad students and includes a range of cultural and social activities. Byron Bay is a beach town located south of the Gold Coast with a relaxed feel and magnificent natural scenery.
• The Study Abroad staff organize a number of small events during the semester such as sporting competitions and networking functions and provide information regarding other available activities.
• There are a range of organized trips available during semester break through the campus travel agency or students can use this time to travel independently in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Get Involved Abroad

Extracurricular Activities

Griffith University is located in the southeast corner of Queensland in one of the world's most livable climates. 300 days of sunshine per year enable residents to enjoy the outdoors year round. Griffith University, through its student representative councils, offers all students the opportunity to participate in sporting and recreation clubs. With a range of student clubs at Griffith, you’ll be able to meet people and enjoy the active Aussie lifestyle no matter what your interests. There are endless opportunities to enjoy the local environment - learn to surf, take a stroll through the region’s rainforest, or participate in one of the many outdoor recreation activities.

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 Brisbane 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 Griffith 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 Griffith 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: Christie J. Cutler Title: Coordinator, Outreach and Student Services Department: Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji Semester/Year Abroad Team BIO: Christie manages study abroad admissions and participant pre-trip services for students attending Universities in Australia and New Zealand including Griffith University, Lincoln University, Massey University, University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, and the University of Waikato. Christie graduated with a B.A. in Spanish from Rollins College in 2005. Her study abroad experience in Asturias, Spain sparked her interest in international education. Since college, Christie has run community service programs in Costa Rica and Peru, taught English in Spain, and worked with study abroad and exchange students at Middlebury College in Vermont. Christie holds a Masters in Intercultural Relations, with a focus on International Education, from Lesley University. In addition to her work and study experiences, Christie has also traveled to Argentina, the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand and Uruguay. Advice From The Coordinator: Griffith Brisbane campuses: "Mt. Gravatt and Nathan campuses are 20 minutes outside of Brisbane in a "bushland" setting which offers a quiet, peaceful setting away from the city. When visiting the city, enjoy shopping on "Queen St. Mall" and the Riverside Markets and check out the Multi-Story IMAX."