Description

During our three weeks in Melbourne and one week in the remote outback, you will encounter Australias natural wonders and cultural complexities by examining its literature, history, film, and wildlife. Readings focus on themes of individual and national identity and the tensions between a colonial and an indigenous population. We will visit museums, art galleries, botanical parks, and nature reserves in and around Melbourne. Then we travel to the amazing Kakadu National Park, rated a World Heritage Site for both its Aboriginal rock art of the Warradjan people and its unique flora and fauna. You will be thrilled by close observations of plants, marsupials, birds, and crocodiles in their natural habitat.

Comments from past Urban to Outback participants:
"This course blew my mind! I was left with tears because I learned so much, met new people and friends, learned about Aboriginal and Australian culture beyond everything I expected. I didn't want to leave..highlight of my year!" - 2010

"I feel I know more about the history of Australia than most Australians." - 2010

"This is one of the most personally satisfying things Ive done in my life." - 2009

"This course met my expectations above and beyond! I gained so much knowledge about Australian culture." - 2009

COURSES:
English 139 (4 units)
Topics in Literature
Intensive examination of literature considered in topical terms, not necessarily historically. May be repeated for credit when content differs.
GE credit: Writing

Nature and Culture 198 (4 units)
Directed Group Study

Highlights

**Melbourne and surrounding areas
National Gallery of Victoria
Victoria Museum, Aboriginal Gallery Art galleries
Australian Football Game
Architectural Walking Tour of Melbourne
Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Botanical Garden
Queen Victoria Market
Wilson's Promontory and Fairy Penguins

**Kakadu National Park
Nourlangie Rock Art Site
Ubirr Rock Art Site
Yellow Waters Wetlands Cruise
Mamakala Wetlands walk
Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Center
Gunlom Falls
Billabong bushtucker walk
Group BBQ
Cultural activities (spear throwing, didgeridoo, and basket weaving)
Water cruises
Night spotting crocodile cruise

We also visit an aboriginal community in Arhnem Land, a rare and special privilege.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education

High School

Subject Areas

• Australian Studies
• Culture
• English
• English Literature
• Environmental Studies
• Zoology & Wildlife Sciences

Cost in US$:

TBA (fees posted on program website in Dec/Jan)

Program Fees Include:

Fees for UC Davis Summer Abroad include:
- Program Fee (USD 750)
- Course Unit Fee (approx. USD 287 per unit * 8 units)
- Accommodations & Activities Fee (varies by program, USD 950 - 4250)
- Summer Campus Fee (USD 290)

Fees subject to change; please visit the UC Davis Summer Abroad program webpage or contact UC Davis Summer Abroad for the most up-to-date information concerning program costs. Programs start around USD 5,000.

Experience Required

yes

To be eligible to participate in a UC Davis Summer Abroad program, you must: -be 18 years or older -have completed 15 accredited college units -be in good academic standing with a GPA of 2.0 or higher -be in good disciplinary standing with your academic institution

This Program is open to

American Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available

UC Davis Summer Abroad is pleased to announce that the Education Abroad Center will award USD 25,000 in travel awards to participants in UC Davis Summer Abroad 2012 programs. All students enrolled in a UC Davis Summer Abroad program (Davis and Non-Davis) will have the opportunity to apply for an award ranging from USD 500 - 1,500. Application deadline: March 6, 2012. Visit the UC Davis Summer Abroad website for details.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Disciplinary Clearance Form
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript

Typically The Application Process Time is

4-5 weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

UC Davis Summer Abroad's Mission Statement

UC Davis Summer Abroad programs offer students short but intense academic courses that are complemented with a wealth of cultural activities. The courses are structured in such a way that students gain knowledge not only in the classroom, but also from experiential learning that takes advantage of the program site. All of our programs are built around UC Davis courses and are led by UC Davis faculty. Many provide opportunities for students to visit non-English speaking countries while doing their coursework in English. Our class sizes are limited, generally enrolling from 18-30 students, thus allowing us to create intimate learning communities overseas. Programs are open to all students outside the UC system, alumni and professionals.