Study Abroad Programs in Australia & Oceania

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.

When I decided I wanted to go abroad, I was nervous about a lot of things. First off, I was scared that when I went abroad I would have to settle for a location I did not want to be in because I needed my credits to transfer over. Luckily AIFS had a program in a wonderful city with a bunch of classes that would transfer back to my home university super well. When I chose this program, I was overjoyed but nervous about living in a homestay. When I got there I was happily surprised to find that my host family was amazing and provided me with an experience I would not have been able to have if I had been in a dorm/apt. The people that I met in the program were some of the coolest people I have ever known and am happy to call them my friends to this day. If you are looking for a great program in Paris where you have the freedom to meet new people, travel, and find yourself in a new place, I would 100% recommend this to you!

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.

Tropical Marine Biology at Murdoch was a great short-term program. I didn't want to commit to a full semester abroad, so just one month in Australia was perfect! The teaching staff at Murdoch was exceptional, and the 10-day field camp up in Coral Bay was worth the whole trip. It was winter in Australia, so be cautious that you will be in Perth during their rainy season!

Studying in Barcelona had been a dream! I took classes in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, and Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. My 7 weeks in that paradise were filled with exploration, inspiration, and so much fun. From amazing people to the delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture to the colorful culture, Spain should be at the top of the must-visit countries list. My favorite activity, besides spending my day at the beach, was wandering around the city without a map and being amazed by the beauty hidden in every corner of Barcelona. Thanks to the Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage class, I learned even more about this impressive history and culture. CIS helped me through every step of adapting to studying and living in Barcelona. They planned fun events for us, such as various tours in famous parts of Barcelona, beach picnic and volleyball, wine tasting, tours to towns in Spain, and cooking classes. I stayed at Aparto Pallars, which is conveniently located near the metro station, from which you can take the metro anywhere. I'm so grateful for this experience, and I'm definitely willing to go back to Barcelona or any other program with CIS!

I traveled to Australia for a study abroad semester through USAC, and I had an excellent experience. I had the opportunity to meet many locals as well as other international students. I attended Griffith University, and the classes were fairly easy to immerse myself in as an international student. The area I was in, which was Gold Coast, Australia, was very walker-friendly and had good public transportation, and everything else went fairly smoothly. Since USAC is independent from my home university, it was a little difficult configuring my class schedule and numerous documents, but other than that it's smooth sailing.

Studying abroad in Sydney with CIEE was such an amazing experience. The staff were incredibly friendly, approachable, and always willing to help, especially when I was feeling a bit alone or just wanted something fun to do. The program itself is fantastic; there’s so much to do and explore in Sydney, and being at UNSW made it easy to take advantage of everything. Overall, it’s such an energizing and supportive environment, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to study abroad in Sydney!

Studying abroad in Australia has truly been the best experience of my life. From attending classes at Griffith University to exploring the beaches of the Gold Coast, every day felt like a new adventure. I’ve met incredible people from all over the world, and together we’ve created memories that will last forever — from weekend trips to Sydney and Byron Bay to spontaneous getaways to Bali and Fiji. This experience didn’t just expand my education; it expanded my view of the world. I’ve grown more independent, confident, and curious, and I’m grateful for every single moment of this journey. If you’re thinking about studying abroad, do it. It will change your life in ways you can’t even imagie.