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SIT Study Abroad: Australia: Rainforest and Cultural Ecology

by: SIT Study Abroad

9 (2)Verified

On Australia: Rainforest, Reef, and Cultural Ecology, study the ecological patterns and human influences affecting Australia’s two most diverse environments: the Wet Tropics Bioregion and the Great Barrier Reef. Travel throughout North Queensland, exploring different ecosystems with high biodiversity and landscape values. From bushland to rainforest to the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll practice fiel...

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Program Highlights

Spend a week exploring a different worldview with Aboriginal elders on a camping trip in remote bushland.

Conduct scientific surveys while snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Experience the sights and sounds of the rainforest in outdoor “classrooms.”

Develop fieldwork and interpretation skills using a range of survey and analytical methods.

Learn how the environment affected the development of the world’s oldest living culture and discover contemporary problems Aboriginal culture faces.

Quick Details

Locations
  • Cairns, Australia
Availability
Year(s) OfferedYear RoundTerms Available:
  • Fall
  • Spring
Age Requirement:Varies
Types & Subjects:
  • Culture
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Marine Biology
Guidelines:
  • American
  • All Nationalities
See all program details

Awards

GoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Winner - Marketing & Digital MediaInnovation in Marketing & Digital Media Winner 2022

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9

Total Reviews

2

Experience of a Lifetime

August 22, 2024by: Camilla B - United StatesProgram: SIT Study Abroad: Australia: Rainforest and Cultural Ecology
9

If you're considering applying for this program, especially if you're a biology or environmental science major, I highly recommend it. While the academic rigor wasn't as intense as some of my courses at my home university, the content and research opportunities were exceptional and unlike anything I'd experienced before. We worked on several research projects, including one on Lizard Island that examined habitat degradation and fish species—something that was especially meaningful to me as a biology major. The Independent Study Project (ISP) was a different experience altogether. Although finding an advisor was a bit stressful and time-consuming, I was incredibly fortunate to end up working at a sea turtle rehab center. That month was not only incredibly enjoyable but also a tremendous learning experience. By the time I had to write the 40-page paper at the end, it felt almost effortless. I also made lifelong friends through this program, as we often shared close living quarters in hostels or cabins. It felt like we became a big family, taking excursions and sharing experiences together. Overall, the combination of the other students, the academic advisors, and the program itself made this one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.

One of the sea turtles I worked with!Fitzroy IslandLizard Island

Awe-inspiring, hands-on, big-picture, self-improving, memorable

July 18, 2014by: Gwendolyn BrownProgram: SIT Study Abroad: Australia: Rainforest and Cultural Ecology
9

My favorite experiences were snorkeling with giant clams, nudibranchs, and giant manta rays. I wanted the opportunity to learn about rain forests and other tropical ecosystems and this program had one of the best, hands-on learning programs for that topic. I loved the experiential learning format-- we spent time living and studying in the rain forest, near the Great Barrier Reef, and with Aboriginal elders. I was also drawn to the Independent Study Project that is a fundamental part of the SIT study abroad experience. I spent a month working on my own research project at a policy NGO, which enabled me to learn a ton and gave me an impressive publication for future job applications. Additionally, it taught me a lot about independent work and prepared me well for live post-college because I had to find an academic adviser and host institution with whom to conduct my research on my own.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Cairns, Australia

Types and Subjects

  • Subjects & Courses
  • Culture
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Studies

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Age Requirement

Age Requirement Varies

Guidelines

  • American
  • All Nationalities

Program Cost Includes

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Medical / Accident Insurance
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support

Accommodation Options

  • Home-stays
  • Other

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • University Freshman (1st Year)
  • University Sophomore (2nd Year)

Application Procedures

  • Letters of Reference
  • Physical Exam/Health Records
  • Transcript
  • Online Application
SIT Study Abroad

SIT Study Abroad

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Ready to Learn More?

On Australia: Rainforest, Reef, and Cultural Ecology, study the ecological patterns and human influences affecting Australia’s two most diverse environments: the Wet Tropics Bioregion and the Great Barrier Reef. Travel throughout North Queensland, exploring different ecosystems with high biodiversity and landscape values. From bushland to rainforest to the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll practice fieldwork techniques and observe some of Australia’s unique animal species. Through the program’s strong partnerships with researchers, you’ll have opportunities to network, build skills and experience, and participate in an existing research project.

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