- Home
- Providers
- Back
- SIT Study Abroad
- SIT Study Abroad: Australia: Rainforest and Cultural Ecology




SIT Study Abroad: Australia: Rainforest and Cultural Ecology
by: SIT Study Abroad
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...
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.
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.
Media Gallery
Quick Details
- Cairns, Australia
- Fall
- Spring
- Culture
- Ecology
- Environmental Studies
- Marine Biology
- American
- All Nationalities
Awards






Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Experience of a Lifetime
August 22, 2024by: Camilla B - United StatesProgram: SIT Study Abroad: Australia: Rainforest and Cultural EcologyIf 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.



Awe-inspiring, hands-on, big-picture, self-improving, memorable
July 18, 2014by: Gwendolyn BrownProgram: SIT Study Abroad: Australia: Rainforest and Cultural EcologyMy 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
Cost per week
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
- English
Language Skills Required
- University Freshman (1st Year)
- University Sophomore (2nd Year)
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Letters of Reference
- Physical Exam/Health Records
- Transcript
- Online Application
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.

SIT Study Abroad

SIT Study Abroad
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.
Related Programs
Browse programs you might like