Description

Because of its location on the Indian Ocean rim and just a few hours flight from major destinations in Asia, Perth is a vibrant multicultural city with an outward-looking persona. The Arts and Sciences study abroad program in Perth, Australia at the CIEE Study Center at Murdoch University reflects this and appeals strongly to students with an interest in cross-cultural studies, including interest in Australia's indigenous population and culture. It is also recommended for science students, particularly those in the fields of biological science, marine biology, ecology, and the environment. This program has an added attraction for students who enjoy the outdoors, and who are interested in internship opportunities.

Academic Program
Established in 1991 as the first CIEE program in Australia, the Arts and Sciences program at the CIEE Study Center at Murdoch University has hosted hundreds of students from universities across the U.S. The CIEE Study Center provides a supportive, yet challenging environment in which to study and gain firsthand knowledge of Australian life and culture. In addition to a wide range of liberal arts subjects, Murdoch University has particularly strong offerings in business, media and film studies, communications, and field-based sciences. A Parliamentary internship is also offered during the fall semester.

Academic Culture
All courses are taught by Murdoch faculty which, proportionately, holds the highest number of doctorates of all Australian universities. Murdoch University uses a point system and the normal full-time course load is 12 points each semester, which is equivalent to 15 U.S. semester credits. Most Murdoch University subjects are designated as either three- or four-point classes. Students are eligible to enroll in any course for which they are qualified, with the exception of a few, specialized subjects offered by the Veterinary and Chiropractic Schools.

The approach to teaching in Australian universities requires that students take a great deal of responsibility for their own learning. A typical subject consists of two hours of lectures and one to two hours of tutorials per week, with the addition of lab work in the sciences. Many science classes also involve fieldwork. While contact hours are not high, students are expected to undertake a significant amount of directed reading on their own time. Self-motivation and self-discipline are encouraged by the Australian system.

The Murdoch University academic year lasts from early February through the end of November and is divided into two semesters. Semester I (early February to mid-June) corresponds to the spring semester at U.S. institutions and Semester II (late July to late November) corresponds to the U.S. fall semester. The program at Murdoch University is offered both semesters and consists of a one-week orientation, 12 weeks of classes, a two-week mid-semester break, a one-week study period, and a two-week final exam period. The academic year program consists of two consecutive semesters and may follow the U.S. academic year (Semester II and Semester I) or the Australian calendar year (Semester I followed by Semester II). Students who apply for the U.S. academic year program can take advantage of the threemonth summer (Christmas) break to work or travel in the region.

Highlights

• Benefit from full-time academic and personal support provided by a CIEE Resident Director who arranges excursions, volunteer opportunities, and cultural events
  
• Choose from a full range of academic offerings and for-credit internships; spend time at the dedicated on-campus CIEE Study Center
  
• Travel 2,500 miles through the outback of Western Australia while learning about amazing and diverse environments
  
• Immerse yourself in a cultural program which includes a surf lesson, Australian Rules football match, Aboriginal Heritage tour, and a wildlife park tour

In addition, there are opportunities for weekend homestays with rural families and the chance to undertake community work in study-related areas. Students may also participate in additional trips arranged outside of the typical excursion program for an extra fee. Many students participate in up to 20 hours of part-time work which, in addition to providing income, provides deep insight into Australian society outside of university life.

Northwest Excursion
The Northwest Excursion, included in the program fee, is a trip to the rugged northwest region of Western Australia to an area known as the Pilbara. The Pilbara covers close to 2,500 square miles and includes plains of wild flowers and mountainous outcrops-among the oldest on earth. It is also home to some of Australia's most hardy fauna and flora. Students may come across the shy rock wallaby, the perentie lizard, grey and red kangaroos, and many other unique animals.

Monkey Mia in Shark Bay is one of the highlights of the excursion. Monkey Mia is a World Heritage Site and attracts schools of dolphins to its shores daily. It is the closest students will get to a dolphin unless they work in a marine park. Along with the dolphins live other marine life such as the dugongs (manatees), called the "Mermaids of the Sea," and turtles. This area is also home to our oldest living ancestors, the stromatalites, which have evolved over three to four billion years, and Shell Beach, an entire beach made of shells.

Students snorkel in the Ningaloo Reef, which is also a World Heritage Site. More accessible than the Great Barrier Reef and home to as many as 500 species of tropical fish and 200 species of coral, it is home to the migratory whale sharks, the "gentle giants" of the sea. Humpback whales also cruise just beyond the reef during the months of July, October, and November.

Another highlight of the excursion is Karijini National Park. Hidden among Western Australia's mining towns, this area is untouched and pristine in beauty. While enjoying the splendor of its gorges and flora and fauna, students swim in freshwater rock pools. The hikes and trails through the gorges are challenging, as well as breathtaking with their Aboriginal drawings and wildlife. Billions of years old, the rocky gorges are spectacular in formation.

Students who do not participate on the Northwest Excursion will not be reimbursed Fremantle Fremantle is the city closest to Murdoch University and is located approximately 12 miles southwest from downtown Perth. Fremantle is where students spend most of their time outside of class. Known as "Freo" to the locals, the city has a great alternative feel and is at the forefront of many green initiatives in Western Australia, having recently elected the first Greens state representative and the first Greens mayor. The city is also a popular entertainment district with numerous cafés, a great live music scene, and art galleries situated in and around central "Freo."

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE program fee includes tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required

yes

Overall GPA 2.75

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Dormitory

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Scholarships are Available

We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application
• Other

CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947