Overview

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, formerly known as AustraLearn, offers semester and year abroad programs at James Cook University. James Cook University (JCU) combines excellence in teaching and research in a unique tropical setting. JCU is one of Queensland’s premier universities and Australia’s leading tropical University. Named after the British explorer Captain James Cook, the University offers quality education in a unique environment.

James Cook University’s main campuses are located in the northern Queensland cities of Townsville and Cairns, home to a combined 15,500 students including 1,600 international students from over 100 countries worldwide. Diverse environments, vibrant communities, and challenging academic programs are just a few of the reasons why so many students choose to study abroad at James Cook University. No other university can offer such a wide range of classes in the shadow of two of the world's finest natural heritage areas - The Wet Tropics Rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef.

 

Location

About Cairns

Townsville and Cairns are attractive coastal cities with populations of 175,000 and 140,000, respectively, and are within easy reach of the Great Barrier Reef. Both cities enjoy excellent tropical climates for most of the academic year including autumn, winter, and spring, and an average winter temperature of around 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

North Queensland is well known for embracing a safe and relaxed tropical lifestyle. Established Indigenous, European, and Asian communities add to the cultural diversity of the region not usually found outside of the capital cities.
 

200 miles to the north of Townsville is the Cairns campus, with a student population of around 4,000 including over 380 international students. Described as the rainforest campus, the Cairns campus is surrounded on three sides by World heritage-listed rainforests and conveniently located near the attractive northern beach suburbs.

The campus is approximately nine miles from downtown Cairns and offers modern facilities in a pleasant layout. One of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, the city has a diverse population which is reflected in its cultural, shopping, and sporting facilities.

Around the University

The Cairns campus location offers quick and easy access to some of the most popular Cairns attractions. You are less than a ten-minute bus-ride from the Cairns northern beaches, a favorite spot for sunny weekends.

Across from campus, Smithfield village offers several eating options, a grocery store, and medical center. If you’re wanting more variety, take a SunBus to Smithfield shopping center for some retail therapy.

The Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest cableway and extreme sport activities such as bungy-jumping and cable waterskiing are also nearby.
 

Academic Highlights

James Cook University is ranked in the top 5% of worldwide universities and 100 Asia-Pacific institutions and in the top 400 Universities in the world (Shanghai Jiao Tong Rankings and Higher Education and Accreidation Council). The University is world renowned for its research in a number of areas relating to its tropical location including marine biology, environmental studies, and tourism and has outstanding research facilities including island and rainforest research stations. JCU is also a member of the prestigious group, Innovative Research Universities Australia (IRUA). Accordingly, there are hundreds of study areas for students to choose from at an undergraduate level, many offering exciting, hands-on field components.

Study areas include:
 

• Marine Biology
• Tropical Biology and Zoology
• Rainforest and Coastal Science
• Tourism and Hospitality Management
• Indigenous Australian Studies
• New Media Arts (including photography, sound, graphic design)
• Anthropology, Archaeology, Sociology
• Sport and Exercise Science
• Education
• Health Sciences including Nursing
• Psychology
• Earth Sciences/Geology
• Engineering
• Information Technology
• Business/Economics
• International Relations
   

Postgraduate study abroad options in select study areas such as business, accounting, information technology, and tourism are also available.

University Services

James Cook University provides a full range of support services for students to help them make the most of their time at university. Whether you need help with an assignment, finding accommodation, personal welfare support, study skills assistance, or job seeking there are dedicated services on campus to assist you.

James Cook International organizes all aspects of your study abroad semester or year with us, from application to arrival, enrollment, and orientation. The International Office is your first point of contact if you need assistance at JCU and provides a range of services and information including:
 

• preparing for arrival information and free arrival service
• international orientation program
• social activities
• accommodation information
• personal well-being and welfare support
• Overseas Student Health Cover information

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:

Students have the option of living in a pre-arranged accommodation while studying at the Cairns campus. There are also many rental options (apartments and houses) available to students in nearby suburbs. The JCU Accommodation Service is available to assist with off-campus accommodation options.

Orientation

In addition to the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program which is included in your program fees James Cook University will provide an onsite orientation upon arrival to your university. Orientating yourself to Cairns is just the beginning in finding your way around your new “home away from home.” James Cook International works to ensure your transition to living and studying in Australia is as smooth as possible. They will meet you after the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program and take you to your pre-arranged accommodation. After you have settled in we host a special Welcome Pack Information Session to help you become familiar with the campus and community and answer any questions you may have about studying at JCU.

Orientation “O” Week activities are held the week before classes start and during this time you’ll meet Australian and International students, academic advisors to finalize your subject selection, get to know your way around the campus and facilities and participate in social events. “O” Week promises to be a great start to your study abroad experience at JCU.

Scholarships Available

In addition to the scholarships offered by GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, James Cook University supports GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students with two $500 AUD awards per year.

Special Programs/Excursions

Get Involved Abroad

Extracurricular Activities

James Cook University locations offer a large variety of outdoor activities including visits to the Great Barrier Reef and nearby islands and resorts, day-trips to historic outback towns such as Charters Towers, and World Heritage listed rainforests within an hour drive of both campuses.

Popular outdoor water sports such as sailing, canoeing, kayaking, water-skiing and jet-skiing are all local options while some students prefer the adrenaline rush of close-by white water rafting, skydiving, and bungy jumping. There are plenty of hiking and cycling trails to be explored as well.

Townsville and Cairns are also home to professional rugby, soccer, and basketball clubs, and a variety of intramural sporting activities such as beach volleyball, tennis, field hockey, basketball, and soccer are also available. Whatever your personal interests, there are an abundance of activities on offer in JCU campus cities and surroundings.

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 Cairns 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 Bridging Cultures 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.

Enhance Your Experience

Global Identity Course

While studying at JCU, 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

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: Jan Amann Title: Coordinator, Outreach and Student Services Department: BIO: Jan Amann manages study abroad admission and participant pre-trip services for students attending the University of Otago, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Adelaide, University of South Australia, Southern Cross University, La Trobe University, Monash University, Swinburne University of Technology and University of Melbourne. Jan earned her B.A. in English and Philosophy from the University of Scranton in 2006. After studying abroad at the University of Otago in New Zealand, Jan was inspired to work for her school’s study abroad office and pursue an exciting career in International Education. Following graduation, Jan moved to New Zealand for one year where she had the opportunity to travel and work for the government. She has also worked with youth for many years, and led a group of students on an Experiment in International Living trip abroad in 2010. Jan completed her M.A. in International Education at New York University, where she studied abroad (again!) in Hong Kong, China, and worked with international students. Jan’s additional travels have brought her to Australia, Italy, Canada, Belgium, France, England and the Caribbean. Jan looks forward to helping AustraLearn students plan their semesters abroad! Advice From The Coordinator: Both cities offer an abundance of outdoor activities - snorkeling, diving, hiking, biking and so much more! The weather is warm and great for being outside!