Study Abroad in Cairns, Australia

Study abroad in Cairns is a popular choice for students of all majors (the student body is made up of 1,500 international students!), often because they are drawn to the large variety of courses offered within the city’s limits. Those interested in studying marine biology or environmental studies specifically are in for a special treat, because many universities provide students with their own personalized classroom, smack dab in the middle of the tropics.

Due to its proximity to unfettered wilderness, one of the best subjects to study in Cairns is biology. While some classes are based in the classroom with excursions out into the rainforest, there are study abroad programs in Cairns where the entirety of the program is based outside; in these programs, students live, work, eat, study, and play in the field to get a real hands-on view of environmental management, protection, conservation, and restoration practices. As one of the oldest rainforests in the world, the Daintree is the perfect spot for students to get neck deep in some of the most unique and fascinating biology in the world, including blue bird poop!

For those who dream of having crocodiles as classmates, studying in Cairns will place students only a short ride away from the coast, including the Great Barrier Reef, making marine biology another fantastic subject to study in Cairns. Study tropical shallow water marine systems with a focus on reef ecology, seagrass, mangroves, and shores. With all of these great locations allowing for hands on studies, students will better understand the impact humans have had on the oceans and the natural resources available in Oz.

With the huge influx of tourists every year, tourism and hospitality are both interesting and relevant subjects of study in Cairns. Through a combination of real world experience and local case studies, students can gain the skills necessary to successfully manage a wide range of tourist favorites, including tours, hotels, and events. A special focus can even be put on ecotourism, as more and more money is being invested in preserving the rare and endemic species that make up Australia’s wildlife.

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Latest Program Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.