High School Experiential Learning Programs in Sydney

Step into the shoes of a conservationist in one of the most scenic and biodiverse destinations on Earth. Observe unique Australian wildlife in the marine, coastal, and bushland ecosystems in and around Sydney alongside a local guide and environmentalist. In this beautiful waterfront city, study the science behind extinction and the impact of human activity on Australia’s ecosystems. Conduct field work and collect data for analyzing and evaluating sustainability strategies implemented in urban coastal cities. Volunteer in bush regeneration and see firsthand the measurable effects of ecological restoration.  Also explore Australia’s culture, heritage, and way of life. Appreciate Aboriginal culture in Kamay Botany Bay—participate in a traditional ochre ceremony and listen to stories about the First Nations people and the Dreaming, or creation, of this land. Meet up with local youth in Sydney and work together in conservation activities. Enjoy “only in Australia” experiences—pet a kangaroo, go surfing with Aussies, witness surreal sunsets over the Opera House, practice Tim Tam slams, go on bushwalks, and return home saying words like lollies and You Beauty!

Fly across the International Dateline and arrive in the Land Down Under! Our journey to Australia and New Zealand is a TFT favorite, combining adventure with cultural exploration and major travel destinations with little-known gems. In New Zealand, we will experience the country’s famed natural beauty and enjoy a boat cruise on picture-perfect Milford Sound in the mountains. During the cruise, we will watch for penguins, seals, and even dolphins! We will also take an exhilarating ride on the world’s fastest jet boat, zooming through rock canyons. To cap off our time in New Zealand, we will enjoy a traditional Maori ceremony and even have the chance to learn the dance and participate! After New Zealand, we’ll hop on a short flight for the ultimate Australian experience. Here, we will enjoy the best of Australia’s wildlife while completing service work with local organizations dedicated to protecting the country’s unique and diverse wildlife and natural habitat. Projects include working at a rehabilitation center where we will help care for injured and orphaned tree-kangaroos and reintroduce them back into the wild, and visiting an endangered ecosystem.

In Sydney, the creative sector is a key driver of innovation and identity. Our Creative Industries summer programme invites students aged 15-18 to explore the intersection of media, design, storytelling, and visual communication. From branding and advertising to content creation and digital storytelling, you’ll dive into workshops and projects that challenge you to develop your creative voice and think strategically. Guided by experienced tutors with backgrounds in the arts, marketing, and creative strategy, you’ll work through real briefs, visit real studios and agencies, and reflect on how creativity influences both culture and commerce. Sydney’s buzzing creative energy and multicultural influence provide an exciting backdrop for your ideas to grow. Whether you’re interested in filmmaking, graphic design, fashion, or creative direction, this course is your chance to learn practical skills, build a portfolio, and experience the pace and ambition of life in the creative industries.

Journey through the South Pacific on an immersive adventure that spans Fiji’s coral-rich waters, New Zealand’s alpine landscapes, and Australia’s rugged Outback and iconic reefs. Begin in a coastal Fijian village, where you experience island traditions, explore waterfalls, and snorkel alongside local dive experts. Ski New Zealand’s Southern Alps, join a welcoming Kiwi homestay, and then sail through Australia’s Whitsunday Islands as part of a working crew. Cap it off with time in Sydney and epic hikes around Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Beautiful landscapes, immersive cultural experiences, and unforgettable adventures—you’ll experience it all on this teen adventure travel program in the South Pacific! Journey through New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji, experiencing new and unique activities like zorbing, waterfall rafting, scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef, island-hopping, and more. You’ll bond with fellow participants in a small, tight-knit group guided by leaders who create a welcoming family atmosphere from day one. This is no ordinary teen travel program; it’s a four-week summer adventure you’ll never forget! Please note that a limited number of participants depart on day 21, while teens on the 28-day program continue to Fiji.

Discover Australia, one of the most environmentally and socially diverse places on earth. Beginning with a thrilling surf session in Sydney, you’ll be riding a wave of excitement until the very last minute. Whether you’re living aboard a yacht sailing the magnificent Whitsunday Islands, visiting the iconic Sydney Opera House, or cuddling a koala at the Billabong Wildlife Sanctuary, you won’t have time to digest one amazing moment before another sneaks up on you. While you explore, pick up some community service hours aiding the Daintree Observatory in re-building the rainforest, one plant at a time.

Join this two-week adventure “down under” and volunteer at the Walkabout Wildlife Park in Calga Springs outside Sydney, Australia. Get hands-on with koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, wallabies, and all kinds of other Australian wildlife. Enjoy a fun tourist trip in Sydney; explore aboriginal sites in the bush; and study “Australian Wildlife Handling, Conservation, and Care” with your veterinarian (DVM) trip leader in the classroom and with the animals. The program is open to high school students aged 14-18. Each group of up to 10 participants will have its veterinarian and Australian Volunteer Coordinator.

This program is for anyone interested in learning how the world works and exploring the global issues impacting our lives.  In the spring semester, students will learn the workings of communist and capitalist economies and gain insight through on-site assignments and case studies. As the program progresses, we explore how the world is handling issues like global warming, immigration, terrorism, globalization, and the uses of artificial intelligence while immersed in Eastern cultures. We will visit Bangkok, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Mui Ne, Ho Chi Minh City, Sydney, Blue Mountains, Singapore, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Dates: mid-January — late April 2026 The High School Study Abroad Program – Spring Semester in Asia is open to all secondary school students registered in public, private, or separate schools worldwide.