Melbourne, Australia
Auckland, New Zealand

6 weeks in Australia
4 weeks in New Zealand
Winter Quarter
January 6 - March 13, 2009
15 college credits

Applications are now being accepted!

 Winter here is Summer
 Down Under!

Study abroad and earn 15 GRCC credits in sunny Melbourne, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand.

Melbourne is situated in southeastern Australia. It is one of the great livable cities of the world, noted for its diversity, vitality, and sophistication, a center for arts and culture with ready access to the wonders of Australia’s natural history. This makes Melbourne a cosmopolitan, harmonious and dynamic city in which to live and study and Newman College is in an ideal location to enjoy all the activities that the city presents.

The next four weeks will be spent in Auckland, New Zealand where you will experience Maori culture, New Zealand's natural attractions and culture. Auckland is perhaps the most vibrant and bustling multi-cultural city in the world with it's urban environment, beautiful beaches, hiking trails and glistening harbours.

The group will be led by an experienced Community College faculty member, who will teach the curriculum along with local faculty. Local program managers will serve as hosts and advisors to help you become familiar with Australian and New Zealand culture and lifestyle.

To request more information and application, see Information.

Program Sponsors:

• Green River Community College, Auburn, WA

• Selected Washington State Community Colleges

• Newman College - University of Melbourne

• Unitec University - Auckland

Campus Locations:

Melbourne
Weeks 1-6 will be spent at Newman College, which is part of the University of Melbourne. The campus is centrally located in the heart of Melbourne with easy access to all the city’s activities and attractions.

Auckland
Weeks 7-10 will be spent at in Auckland, New Zealand where you will be studying at one of New Zealand's top educational institutions. Auckland is very popular with students worldwide and a has a large international population.

Academic Program:
This is a study program. Students must carry a 15-credit load and are expected to fully participate in all class activities. In addition to the Humanities: Australian Life and Culture class, students will take History of Australia and Biology - Australian Ecology. See detailed course descriptions below.

Courses are scheduled Monday through Friday. The weekends are free. 

Course Descriptions:

Humanities: Peoples of the World-Australasian Life and Culture -
5 credits
Offers students an introduction to Australian and New Zealand society and culture by examining its major social and political institutions, the cultural values of its people, and the significant contemporary issues these nations confront.  Students will engage in critical discussions about the differences between American and Australian/New Zealand cultures, and will address the relation of Australia and New Zealand to the Pacific Rim.  This course aims to facilitate student orientation to Australia and New Zealand, and to offer an important socio-cultural framework for other courses they will take. 

History: History of Australasia – 5 credits
Examines the history of Australasian nations of Australia and New Zealand  from the first human inhabitants of Australia some 60,000 years ago, and the Maori settlement of New Zealand some 800 years ago, through the long and often difficult processes to become the modern island nations of Australia and New Zealand.  Attention is given to the various groups who have migrated to Australasia, the European exploration and colonization of the area, the development of settlements and colonial governments, the move to nationhood in the late 19th century, and the emergence of the modern nations of Australia and New Zealand in the 20th century.

Biology - Australian/New Zealand Ecology - 5 credits
Focuses on the ecology of Australia and New Zealand, including ecosystems and human impact on ecosystems.  The biodiversity, characteristics, and interactions of Australian and New Zealand flora and fauna will also be investigated within various habitats and ecosystems.  A significant portion of the course will involve field observations and experiences.  This course does not meet the lab distribution requirement. and is designed for the beginning college student. 

Application Requirements:
Students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher are eligible to apply. Transcripts are required. Minimum age is 18 (17 with permission).

Faculty:
Dr. Bruce Haulman teaches history at Green River Community College. He leads student groups to study the history and ecology of Clayoquot Sound on Vancouver Island, Canada. He taught in London in 1993, 1996, and  2000, has led the Australia Abroad Winter Quarter program from 2001-2008, and is an experienced leader of study-abroad programs.

Accommodations and Meals: 
While at Newman College of the University of Melbourne, students will be accommodated in single rooms. These are college dormitories with shared baths and communal eating facilities. 

While studying in New Zealand, students will live in shared student apartments on the Unitec University campus or with carefully selected host families.

Many meals are provided in Melbourne.

The cost of living in Australia and New Zealand is lower than in the United States.

Cultural Activities and Excursions:  There will be prearranged fully inclusive tours during your stay, which may include:

In Australia:

• Melbourne Museum: Banjalika Aboriginal Exhibit

• Electoral Commission

• Benigo Gold Fields

• Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance

• National Gallery of Victoria: Aboriginal Art Exhibit

• National Gallery of Victoria: Australian Art Exhibit

• Immigration Museum

• Healsville Sanctuary

• Mount Donna Buang Forets

• Werribee Gorge

• Point Cook Marine Sanctuary

• Torquay Surf Beaches

In New Zealand:

• Auckland Museum: Ngati Whatua O Orakei Maori Performance

• Mount Albert Volcano and The Auckland Volcano Field

• Point Chevalier Mangroves

• Devonport

• Tiri Tiri Matangi Sanctuary

• Rangitoto Volcano

Additional Optional Activities:   Other field trips are optional and may require an additional fee:  These may include an overnight excursion to Mangere Marae.

There will also be plenty of opportunity to do your own exploring using convenient public transport or tour specialists.

Transportation:
Program costs include airfare, transfers from/to international airports and a Bus/Rail pass, zone 1, for the first month of the program in Melbourne.

Cost of Program:  $6,795 Winter 2009

Included:

• Round trip group airfare on program dates from Seattle/Melbourne/Auckland/Seattle

• Group transfers to/from international airports

• Student housing accommodations while at Newman College, University of Melbourne

• Student apartment housing accommodations while at Unitec University in Auckland

• Many meals at Newman College

• Tram/Bus/Rail pass for first month of the program

• Some cultural activities and excursions

• Pre-departure and arrival orientations

• Welcome BBQ in Melbourne

• Student basic medical insurance

Not Included:

• College tuition and books

• Passport and visa fees

• Fees for some sporting, telephone, and internet facilities

• Telephone and internet facilities at other locations

• Meals not previously specified

• Curriculum activities admissions

• Personal and entertainment expenses

• Independent travel and expenses during and after the program

• Curriculum activities admissions

• US and Australian airport fees and taxes ($135)

• Anything not specified as included in the program

*This program announcement and the information presented here may be subject to change. Please refer to the Study Abroad Program Brochure for current information.

To request more information and application, see Information.