SIT Study Abroad: Australia - Rainforest, Reef, and Cultural Ecology
SIT Study Abroad
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(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
I learned a lot about the biota of another continent and about how to live in another country. I also learned a lot about collecting data and writing scientific papers. Max C - Middlebury College View Entire Review
Definitely worthwhile. ISP helped me to figure out what I want to do with my career. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I gained a sense of what works for me in terms of routine and how I want to live my life moving forward. It gave me a solid sense of what I would like to do as a career, which was invaluable. I also grew tremendously as both a scholar and overall person. Kayla D - Brandeis University 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 learned so many field skills and got so much hands-on education about Australian ecology and conservation. Australia is one of the best places to learn about conservation and ecology in my opinion. I wish I could go back and do it all again!! Everyday we would go hiking to see different areas of rainforests or reefs, most day... Eleanor R - Butler University View Entire Review
Worthwhile. My ISP gave me many research connections. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
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
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
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SIT Study Abroad Scholarships
Students who are Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) Scholars will receive a $2,000 award for SIT Study Abroad semester or summer programs.
$2,000
To recognize and support alumni of EIL summer high school programs who also participate in SIT Study Abroad programs. $1,000 for semester programs and $500 for summer. A $400 scholarship is also available to students who indicate that they have an immediate family member who has participated in an EIL or its College Semester Abroad program.
$400 - $1,000
For students enrolled at Hispanic-serving institutions, including member institutions of HACU who demonstrate financial need, SIT will award a $3,000 scholarship for participation in a semester program and $2,000 for a summer program.
$2,000 - $3,000
For students enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and who demonstrate financial need, SIT will award a $2,000 scholarship for participation in a semester program or $1,500 for a summer program.
$1,500 - $2,000
To recognize students participating in this community service program. Upon receipt of confirmation from a student’s Bonner mentor, SIT will award $2,500 for semester programs and $1,000 for summer programs.
$1,000 - $2,500
To recognize students participating in the National Security Education Program (NSEP) funded award, which focuses on study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to US interests and underrepresented in study abroad. Upon receipt of the student’s Boren confirmation letter, SIT will award a $1,000 scholarship.
$1,000
For students enrolled at Big 10 Academic Alliance universities. Eligible students demonstrating financial need will receive a $1,500 scholarship for semester programs and a $750 scholarship for summer programs.
$750 - $1,500
This is an automatic scholarship to recognize and support students who participate in two or more SIT Study Abroad programs, including alumni of short-term summer programs. The scholarship will be applied to a student’s second full term of study with SIT. The scholarship is $1,000 for a fall or spring semester program or $500 for a full-term, international summer program.
$500 - $1,000
An average of $4,500 (amount varies) is awarded to one female student, 22 years of age or younger, who demonstrates international awareness and a desire to create a more peaceful world through international exchange. This scholarship is available for summer programs only.
$4,500
This $10,000 scholarship opportunity is for one student per year. The student must demonstrate extreme financial need, attend an HBCU (or other minority-serving institution), be a first-generation college student, and have never previously traveled abroad.
$10,000
SIT matches Federal Pell Grant funding up to $2,500 for semester students who use their Pell Grant to help pay the cost of their SIT program. Students utilizing their Federal Pell Grant for SIT Study Abroad summer terms receive up to a $1000 match.
$1,000 - $2,500
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