SIT Study Abroad: Australia - Rainforest, Reef, and Cultural Ecology
SIT Study Abroad
Request Info
(For American Students)
Study the ecological patterns and human influences affecting Australia’s two most diverse environments: the Wet Tropics Bioregion and the Great Barrier Reef.Situated between the Wet Tropics Bioregion and the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is the ideal... read more
All Reviews
Definitely worthwhile! Having the opportunity to learn in some of the world's most unique ecosystems and have "class" in the Wet Tropics and Great Barrier Reef was a fully memorable experience. Also, with the guidance of professionals in the field of conservation ecology, I was able to experience a deeper education, understandin... A student - University of Mary Washington View Entire Review
I cannot over emphasize how much I enjoyed this program. I made awesome friends, traveled to an amazing place, and learned so much from experiences I would be ignorant of otherwise. I obtained research experience at an Australian university and was able to develop new professional contacts. The memories I made here will not be f... A student - Oberlin College View Entire Review
Definitely worthwhile. Besides the academic stuff, I became a better cook, more confident in my ability to navigate unfamiliar surroundings, and learned to go with the flow. A student - Villanova University View Entire Review
I gained a lot of fieldwork experience, which is what I was looking for. I learned to be a hands on learner and feel as though I'm more of a versatile learner and worker. Sailor B - Oregon State University View Entire Review
On top of this being an experience of a lifetime, I learned so much about myself, and my field of study. The program allowed for a lot of independence, and for individuals to get out of it what they put in. Academically, I feel like I learned more that in any semester of college up until this point. Colin B - Middlebury College View Entire Review
This program showed me how to live a balanced life, and I found a passion for birds and fish! It was a once in a lifetime experience! Mikayla H - Middlebury College View Entire Review
It was definitely worthwhile! I learned everything about the Australian environment from ecology to biology and anthropological associations. Jeremy Goodsnyder - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned how to navigate lectures given in the field and be independent in a new location. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I gained a lot of knowledge about Australian ecology and conservation, as well as information about the history and culture of Australia. It was worthwhile and I enjoyed the diverse array of activities we were able to participate in. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I learned a lot about tropical ecology. Donald Jones - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I learned a lot about very new ecosystems which was really valuable as an ecologist. I enjoyed the field excursions and found myself ready to return to the rigor of my home institution afterwards. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review

THe ability to really rely on myself and push myself to my limits. Stepping out of my comfort zone in the Pacific was one of the most beneficial things I could have done for myself. Living with 20 other students forced me to become even more patient and accepting of others who act and think differently than myself. My experience... A student - Austin College View Entire Review
I learned about Australian social culture, the endemic species found in the Wet Tropics, experience working in the lab studying coral reproduction (my chosen field), and aboriginal culture. Additionally, I made friends from all across the United States who were on the program with me. Definitely a worthwhile experience! Merrill W - San Diego State University View Entire Review
I learned how to communicate with fellow scientists and researchers and conduct an independent project. I also became more comfortable in the field, and got experience in fieldwork I would never get at my home institution. A student - Scripps College View Entire Review
I learned about Australia's evolution, culture and history. It was definitely worthwhile! A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned that I want to pursue environmental research after college and earn a Ph.D. I gained laboratory research and fieldwork experiences, which will help me when applying for future internships. Caroline L - Oberlin College View Entire Review
I learned so much about the interconnectedness of Australian ecology, evolution, and anthropology. My time in Australia broadened my horizons and allowed me to experience a lot of personal growth. I would do it again in a heartbeat Jillian Lessing - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I figured out my dream job! I would love to have a career studying whale sharks! A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I learned so much about native Australian flora and fauna, ecology, and different Australian environments. There were some long days out in the field but it was totally worthwhile to see all the unique species that we did. Annie B. - Cornell University View Entire Review
My study abroad experience was extremely worthwhile. I had amazing and incredible opportunities in the field, and I gained many fieldwork techniques and information that I will be able to apply at home. I also gained many connections and research opportunities that has me grow in my field. The opportunities that I had and the pl... A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I met so many new people, realized there are so many amazing places I have never been and need to explore, and learned more about myself than I ever expected A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I gained a great perspective on biology outside of the classroom through my independent project and made some amazing American friends that I never would have met otherwise. It was definitely worthwhile and I learned a lot about myself and the things in life that make me happy. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review

I had already learned about most of the ecological concepts we studied during the semester, but the experiential knowledge and connections I made really helped me learn it in a way that I never could in a classroom. John T - University of Tulsa View Entire Review
I gained more self confidence and independence. I also feel like I learned a unbelievable amount of information on rainforest, corals reefs and life in Australia. This program was 100% worthwhile. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
About
Situated between the Wet Tropics Bioregion and the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is the ideal base for exploring this incredibly diverse region and its human inhabitants. In this globally significant ecological setting, you will learn to read the landscape and conduct marine, terrestrial, and anthropological fieldwork in a cross-cultural context.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Environmental Studies
- Environmental Science
- Ecology, Evolution Biology
Minimum GPA:
2.5Website
Take me there!Statistics
SIT Study Abroad Scholarships
SIT Study Abroad is committed to increasing access to international education and to ensuring you have the information you need to successfully access funding for your study abroad program with us. SIT has awarded an average of over $1.3 million in scholarships and grants to SIT Study Abroad students in the past three years. We encourage all qualified students to apply for our need-based scholarships. SIT scholarships are not available for online courses or virtual internships. Your scholarship application is created when you select your interest in SIT need-based scholarships when asked in the drop-down section of your SIT Study Abroad program application. Your application is then reviewed separately, on a rolling basis, when complete. For a list of available scholarships and grants, click here.
$500 - $5000