A must do in college June 23, 2023

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Walking away from this experience, I can say that I've learned lots about the Wet Tropics, the Great Barrier Reef, and Aboriginal culture. The course load was not too much nor too little, and the instructors were knowledgeable in their fields.

On-site administration of your program

Looking back, the academic director administered the program very well. Can't say anything poor. I did not experience any hiccups with the scheduling the program and while much of the schedule remained elusive prior to my arrival in Australia, it was presented clearly upon starting the program.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

This program moves around a lot, so expect to get used to keeping yourself mobile. Hostels are the primary form of accommodation but they were generally clean and comfortable. Excluding the Independent Study Project, program students were housed with one another--so don't be afraid of having to room with some strangers. Staying at a research facility was awesome.

When at the the program's base city of Cairns, you are responsible for preparing your own food (stipend is provided).... so I guess it comes down to how well you can cook (take it as a learning experience). When on excursion, food is provided but students rotate through a cook crew.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We spent a week on a station with some Aboriginal elders, learning about their culture, listening to Dreamtime Stories, as well as picking up some skills.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

International SOS is provided for all participants. I had to see a doctor once on the program. International SOS was able to obtain an appointment for me the next day and covered the costs.

Didn't ever feel unsafe. That said, it's good always to be careful and. aware of your surroundings.

For those who enjoy learning about the ocean, a unique rainforest that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, and learning more about a culture you haven't had the chance to learn about, this program is a must.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

During the Rainforest, Reef, and Cultural Ecology course and the accompanying techniques seminar portion of the trip, I had no issue living on a student's budget. That said, I did not make as many personal expenses as some of my peers. If you eat out every night, the stipend will not be enough to support you until the next one--you will have to spend some of your own money. I personally also did not spend personal money on the Independent Study Project portion, although I know some of my peers who went to larger cities where everything is more expensive, did.

Select all that apply

• Other
• Host Family
• Hotel
• Hostel

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans

• The community
• How immersed we were

• Minor if anything, a refresh of files on the usb handed out so that old documents not needed anymore aren't present