Study Abroad Programs in Australia & Oceania

Studying abroad in general is life changing but studying in the Gold Coast was above that! It was an amazing experience that taught me so much about myself and the world. There is so much to do around the Gold Coast a sememster wasn’t enough!

Having the chance to study abroad in Australia was such an amazing experience I will remember forever. I made lots of friends in my program and having my parents visit was truly special. I loved travelling throughout Australia to Melbourne, Tasmania, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, and Byron Bay. Surfing over there was pretty incredible too, and having the opportunity to intern with a local surf school was awesome. I hope to return someday and would definitely consider living there.

I had the most amazing experience studying abroad in Sydney. I specifically went to UNSW, which is super close to the beach. I was able to make best friends that I'll cherish forever, and together we made such amazing memories like surfing, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, and travelling to different parts of Australia, and even New Zealand! I'm so grateful for everything this experience brought me; I made lifelong friends, but also grew so much as a person and connected a lot with myself!! :) Even though it might be nerve-wracking at first to do it alone, be proud of putting yourself out there! In no time, you will make amazing friends and memories, and hopefully fall in love with Australia like I did :) Make the most out of your experience and say yes to all the activities you can.

I spent my semester abroad in Christchurch, New Zealand with Worldstrides, and it was an extraordinary experience from beginning to end. We began the program with a 4-day orientation in Queenstown where we got to meet all of the Worldstrides students in New Zealand and participate in special culturally immersive events, while also being supported in the transition abroad. Having the opportunity to befriend each other before everyone continued on to their respective cities (Christchurch, Auckland, Dunedin, and Wellington) is something that I came to realize was unique to Worldstrides. Many of us ended up visiting each other across the country throughout the semester, and I loved being able to show Christchurch to my friends from other cities. It definitely created a community from the start, and I knew wherever I traveled in New Zealand I could always reach out to a fellow Worldstrides student nearby! As for the city of Christchurch, I cannot recommend it enough. Living in the Uni accommodations created such a special environment that tight-knit friendships with students both in and out of the Worldstrides program. Another huge part of my Christchurch experience was our Resident Director, Gill. She was basically our parent away from home and she truly cared about every one of us–not to mention she was a blast to hang out with! She gave us a tour of the city and gave us all of her local knowledge. She checked in on us weekly and always went out of her way to be there when one of us needed some extra support. When I go back to New Zealand (because after this experience I most certainly will), Gill will be the first person I call. Academically, the University of Canterbury offered some of the most intellectually stimulating courses I’ve taken in my college career, and I was surprised by the relationships I was able to build with my professors and local classmates in such a short time. I ended up getting more involved at UC than at my home campus, and the clubs were so welcoming and open to study abroad students. The culture and environment of New Zealand truly encourages you to get outside, step out of your comfort zone, and become a part of something so much bigger than yourself. I’d do it again in a heartbeat!

This program was incredibly inspiring. Every aspect was intentionally planned to create a safe, open learning environment; a close community; experiential learning; a connection with nature; and, best of all, inspiration from practitioners in the field. Learning directly from people who have devoted their lives to embodying their values around the environment, sustainability, and climate justice was life-changing. It inspired me on so many deep and personal levels. I loved my group; I loved camping and exploring Tasmania; I loved our ecopsychology workshop in Forest Haven; I loved exploring Melbourne and Sydney; I loved living on the beach in Byron Bay; I loved cooking in my apartment kitchen; and I loved doing class readings and doing an internship during the IP period! You must be comfortable camping and have a love of nature--and then I cannot recommend this program enough.

Studying abroad aboard Argo en route from Fiji to Bali (via Palau) was an experience I don't think I will ever forget. In addition to academics I also learned how to sail, how to scuba dive, and (I think most importantly) how to live and thrive in unique and seemingly uncomfortable conditions. The program is one of a kind, as are all the people who you will embark on it alongside. I loved it!

Studying abroad was the best choice I've ever made. Worldstrides, as a partnership program, was the best. The first week, we met for orientation in Cairns, Australia, and they took care of hotel and excursion expenses (this includes the Great Barrier Reef). It was a great first week getting introduced to Australia and my program. They were very helpful before and during my time in Australia, always there for questions, concerns, and planning a handful of group activities + one overnight trip! They were truly a blessing while abroad.

Living on Argo was the most incredible experience of my life, I absolutely loved my voyage with 30 of my favorite people! I sailed from Fiji to Palau on the 40 day voyage, and I loved every minute of it!

Is it cliche to say abroad changed me? Either way, it’s true. This program developed my science communication skills, confidence in myself as a researcher and scientist, and field skills while keeping cultural connectivity and the natural world at the forefront. Between the oldest rainforest in the world, the Great Barrier Reef (my dream travel destination), and Cairns itself, I kept pinching myself at how beautiful and complex an ecosystem we were constantly emerged in and learning about. The assignments were really interesting and taught me a lot about how to communicate science and conduct research, and nothing beats snorkeling for hours at Lizard Island! My Independent Study Project (ISP) was SUCH a fun and immersive way to lean in to the things I noticed in Australia that interested me most. I was also able to incorporate my major (biochemistry) into my ISP, and to learn about intersections between ecology and biochem! I came back a lot more confident, a lot more knowledgeable about conservation biology, and with the fun party trick of being able to identify all the birds native to the Cairns Esplanade. If you’re thinking about doing this program, this is your sign…

Seamester was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but also the most rewarding. Living on a boat, sailing every day, and diving in some of the most incredible places in the world pushed me far outside my comfort zone and helped me grow so much as a person. The dives were unforgettable, the sailing taught me resilience and teamwork, and the people made it all worth it. I met some of my closest friends and made memories I’ll carry with me forever. It challenged me, changed me, and gave me experiences I never could have had anywhere else. I’m so grateful I did it.

Seamester was a last minute decision for me, kind of came out of nowhere. Best decision I could have made. I met 30 incredible people that I am happy to report are some of my closest friends now. This trip was so fun but also extremely difficult. I wouldn’t change my experience for the world though. Thank you Seamester.

What this trip gave me was unreplicatable experiences. I got to live on a boat for 90 days with like-minded individuals, and do things and go places that most people will never be able to. We crossed the Panama Canal, got to scuba dive in Galápagos, and had a special ceremony as we crossed the equator. We visited many remote islands that would be hard to get to otherwise. We sailed the Pacific, and went eighteen days without seeing land. And as we were doing it all, we studied marine biology and oceanography, learned what it meant to be a sailor, and how to be a leader. This is a once in a lifetime experience, and I’m grateful for every story I have brought home with me.

The best course you could do I can’t recommend more if you’re looking for a high intensity thrilling experience this is definitely for you. I did the course in April 2025 and have loved skydiving ever since you learn everything and meet some of the best people along the way. If I had the choice I would do it again 100 times over.

I started the course in January 2022 and easily was able to work after the short course. Since then i’ve quickly upskilled to camera flying and instructoring and i couldnt of have this amazing job without completing course. And a bonus is tye amazing people you meet on the way!

I am from Scotland and I moved over to NZ to join the NZ skydiving school, I honestly cannot speak highly enough of my experience, the instructors are so professional and made me feel so safe throughout my experience. Everyone should skydive !!

I didn't know this frequency of fun was sustainable. I figured worst case scenario this course would just be a really expensive holiday but now I realize my whole life can be a holiday. Me and my wife left our country and our jobs to pursue this and it is the greatest decision we ever made.

Grew up on food stamps, never thought I'd actually leave the U.S. and see someone else's world. It was amazing! Loved my classes and internship, especially Race, Diversity and Difference, hearing first hand accounts from those that have experienced racism, colorism, systemic issues was interesting, I've only learned of those problems from someone that can't experience it and they speak on it from a historical pov. Housing was fine, it was my first time living with people that wasn't family. The biggest issue is the fact that washing and drying costs $5 dollars each! I started hand washing as I'd rather that money go towards food. Expensive country but I wouldn't trade it for the world. But the apartment is buggin out for making us pay to wash our clothes, rent per week is crazy high. The program itself, was amazing, the activities were fun and any staff I interacted with were extremely helpful. Especially Andrea, any questions would be answered, she'd even ask questions to see how we were doing, I went to Byron Bay because of her. I think of Byron Bay everyday. I preferred to be alone, but I do wish I had asked to hang out with people from classes, not upset about not doing it but wishing I had. Hang out with people, get on the train and explore a new area, walk the beaches until the sun sets. Make memories, try new foods, be open to new things. Going abroad was a trial to see if I wanted to do more, might go to Italy Japan in the future. I do know that I want to do my masters, but now I'm unsure of where to go, Sweden or back to Sydney? I'll figure it when the time comes. Thank you AIFSAbroad.

I would definitely recommend CIEE Study Abroad to a friend, because the program offers so many opportunities that are engaging and interactive. I love the flexibility within the program and how the classes are structured in a way that we can still explore on our own and be self paced.

Seamester Bali to South Africa was an awesome way to study abroad. The classes can be difficult with little time to study and complete assignments. It is also easy to feel exhausted all the time due to lots of physical activity and no so much sleep, but that is all part of the fun. The classes are also everyday, including weekends, for the most part, which is weird at first but you get used to it. It is definitely a big lifestyle change, but as the trip goes on, you definitely adjust to it and enjoy it. You get super close with the friends you make here and don't want to leave at the end. Although it can be a lot of work, you learn so much. Amazing study abroad opportunity for anyone into sailing and diving.

I had a great time! I’d say the best thing to do is keep and open mind because you may find yourself doing stuff that’s not your favorite, but if you think of it with an open mind it will be super fun. I can also promise you will enjoy passage much more then you expect, it is one of the most fun things I’ve ever experienced and definitely a highlight of the trip.