Overview
In a society where climate change, nature conservation, and sustainability are important global topics, where better to learn how to address these important issues than amongst Australia's World Heritage Tropical Rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef?
Offered through GlobaLinks Learning Abroad and James Cook University, Australia's leading tropical research University, this course is designed to provide you with an advanced understanding of the challenges in planning for 'green urbanism', focusing on the question: "How can we foster the development and care of sustainable communities?"
Through hands-on exploration and practical field experience you will explore a number of key topics and challenges for settlements, covering issues of particular significance to Australia and the world, including:
- The sustainable management of marine and terrestrial resources
- Regional sustainability
- How local governments in remote areas facilitate development
- Urban planning and renewable energy resources
- Disaster preparedness and community resilience
- Planning and development in Indigenous Communities
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Learn more about Creating a Green, Sustainable Environment:
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Location
This short course will be delivered in several areas of outstanding natural beauty in the Tropical North Queensland. You will travel within the Cape York Peninsula to experience the natural landscapes that epitomize Australia. Here you will study contemporary issues such as sustainable development of natural resources, indigenous housing, community based development, and caring for country as an economic platform. Over the course of two weeks you will visit:
Cairns
The location of the James Cook University campus in Cairns and the central location of the course. The tropical city of Cairns is an international tourist center famed for it’s various activities and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef*. Described as the rainforest campus, the James Cook University - 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.
Cooktown
Cooktown is Australia's first non-indigenous settlement, discovered and settled for a short time by Captain Cook and his crew in 1770. From 1873-83, Cooktown was established as the port for the Palmer River gold rush, which exacerbated race relations between the Europeans, Aboriginals and Chinese. You will visit the Historical Museum to explore Cooktown's interesting past, including the gold rush days and Captain Cook's voyages – and learn from community leaders about how and what they are planning for their future.
Hopevale Aboriginal Community
Situated 48kms north west of Cooktown, in a beautiful valley, Hopevale is a community of 1,500 people, who are part of the local Guugu Yimithirr Tribe and from other parts of Queensland. Hopevale is surrounded by tropical native bushland and mountain ranges, abundant in ancient caves, painted for thousands of years by the Guugu Yimithirr people. You will discuss the issues of social housing, land tenure, community participation in decision making and economic development with Lee Robertson the CEO of the Hopevale Aboriginal Shire.
At Hopevale You will take a tour with Guurrbi tours Nugal-warra Elder and story-keeper, Willie Gordon, to his ancestral rock art sites, high in the hills outside Cooktown. Here he will share the stories behind the art, and explains how the paintings speak of the essence of life and the laws of his people. Willie will give you an amazing insight into Aboriginal society and spirituality, and show you how we all have a connection to the land, wherever we come from. True Australian Story-Telling at its finest will provide you with a unique insight into the Aboriginal Culture.
Lakeland Downs
The small township of Lakeland Downs lies in a natural basin formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. This area is primarily cattle country, but the rich volcanic soil around Lakeland also supports a rich and diverse farming region, with bananas, passion fruit, watermelon and other tropical fruits being grown. Here you will look at innovative agricultural industry and cattle production practices at one of the local Stations, and extractive industries.
**The Creating a Green, Sustainable Environment short course does not visit the Great Barrier Reef as part of the course itinerary; however information will be provided to participants on how to take advantage of the ideal location after their program is complete prior to booking airline travel.
Academic Focus
James Cook University
James Cook University is an internationally known research university ranked in the top 5% worldwide for their research on the environment, ecology, sustainable tourism, disaster preparedness, and other related areas. During this course, you will learn from internationally-recognized experts in the field.
Course Objectives
The goal of this course is to provide you with an in-depth understanding of the challenges that face planning for sustainable regions and communities. Learning outcomes of your short course will include:
- Appreciation of the challenges that face planning for sustainable regions and settlements, and solutions to those challenges
- Understanding of the principles and processes underpinning sustainable management of marine and terrestrial resources
- Understanding of the challenges of planning for development within a remote Aboriginal Shire Council
- Development of observational and analytical skills applicable to planning for sustainable development
Case studies deal with a range of examples from land and sea environments of North Queensland. Upon successful completion of this course, you will have a sound understanding of many of the conditions which foster sustainable settlements and regions, and skills that would allow you to work in professions related to urban geography and planning, sustainable development, and environmental management.
Assessment
Your final grade will be composed of:
- Introductory Essay: 20%
- Seminar presentation: 20%
- Exam: 30%
- Case Study Report: 30%
- Students seeking Graduate Credit will have an additional assignment added to their overall assessment
Credit
Upon successful completion of the course, students will 3-4 US credits on an official James Cook University transcript. This course can be taken for undergraduate- or graduate-level credit.
Program Highlights
- Hands-on practical field experience and learning in amazing and diverse locations including:
- Experience the tropical rainforest and savannah of north Queensland
- Field trip to the Cooktown, Hopevale and Lakelands
- Workshops with prominent tropical and indigenous planning experts
- Case Study Report: to develop a set of community sustainability indicators for one of the visited communities.
- Study at James Cook University, a university ranked in the top 5% of worldwide universities for their research on the environment, ecology, disaster preparedness, and other related areas
Who Should Apply
While this short course is open to students from all majors, applicants must have completed at least one year of undergraduate study and meet the minimum GPA requirements.
Accommodations
Creating a Green, Sustainable Environment short-term program will house students at a variety of different venues based on the location of the program. While at the James Cook University Cairns campus, students will stay at the Cairns Student Lodge. This is a short walk from campus, close to shops, near two beaches, and close to public transportation. It offers a secure, friendly environment to students from around the world. The Lodge has phone and Internet connections in each room, a swimming pool, and a volleyball court.
While on the fieldtrips, accommodations will vary and may include good quality, budget-style cabin accommodations.
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.
Group Flights
GlobaLinks Learning Abroad works together with STA Travel's group ticket office to arrange group flights for all short course students. This ensures that students can travel as a cohesive group to the program destination. Airfare is not included in program fees and payment of airfare is the responsibility of the student, however We seek the lowest possible student rate before reserving seats for participants to purchase, while still maintaining the flexibility that allows students to explore the country or surrounding countries at the conclusion of their short term program.
Flexible Return Dates
Additionally, group flights have a flexible return date. Students may choose their 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 GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Students
Participants of GlobaLinks Learning Abraod programs are eligible for scholarships through The Foundation for Asia Pacific Education. More information about these awards can be found at www.asia-pacificfoundation.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 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
| Program Fees | $4,720.00 (Finalized Summer 2012 Program Fee) |
Fee Includes
Program Fees are in U.S. dollars. Program fees include accommodation, tuition, host university administrative fees, official transcript, program orientation, airport pickup local transportation, some meals, health insurance, Basic ISIC card, excursions, domestic travel within Australia, and textbooks and other course materials. Fees also include all pre-trip services such as: orientation materials, visa-processing service (including the visa fee for US students), personal advising, liaise with your home university, credit transfer assistance, and financial aid services.
**International airfare and some meals are an additional cost, along with personal expenses and additional personal excursions.
Fee Advice
The above stated fees are the Finalized Summer 2012 Program Fees. Program Fees are subject to change for future terms. Please contact GlobaLinks Learning Abroad for a detailed program budget sheet.
Due to the nature of short term programs, program fees are subject to change at any time if minimum number of participants is not met by the application deadline. AustraLearn will notify all students if a program fee may be altered after invoicing has taken place.