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Program Overview

Australia is considered by most to be at the other end of the globe. It contains animals that are found nowhere else in the world, and others that are similar to those in the USA. Australia has 200 mammals, 200 lizards and 350 birds that are indigenous.

Mammals include the marsupials (bandicoots, kangaroos, koalas, Tasmanian devils, and wallabies), and others such as the dingo, echidna, platypus and wombat. Students will learn about them and how they interact with their environments.

Also, students will explore the unique culture and people of Australia. They will look at these diversities first at the University of Queensland Agricultural and Veterinary Campus in Gatton.

During these two weeks students will also tour agricultural sites, such as a woolshed and winery in the Bunya Mountains.

We cultivated our land, but in a way different from the white man. We endeavored to live with the land; they seemed to live off it.
— Tom Dystra - Aborigine

You feel free in Australia. There is a great relief in the atmosphere - a relief from tension, from pressure, an absence of control of will or form. the skies open above you and the areas open around you.
— D. H. Lawrence

After two weeks, students will leave for the Gold Coast and a rainforest tour. The remainder of the program will be at UQ Women’s College, St. Lucia-Brisbane.

From there students will visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and the Irwin Australia Zoo. There will also be a tour of the Moreton Bay Research Station on Stradbroke Island with lectures on the whales and dolphins of Australia.

Australia Program Brochure (PDF)

Location

Australia, the world’s smallest continent, is between the Pacific and Indian Oceans and southeast of Asia. It is slightly smaller than the United States.

The University of Queensland is based in Brisbane, on the East coast of Australia. The Gatton Campus is located about one hour west of Brisbane.

Academics

Students earn three credits of International Ag and Natural Resources 2190, which can be allocated for CAFNR students as three credits of Ag Elective. Animal Science students may use this as an upper level Animal Science elective and other students may use this as production agriculture credits. Students also earn three credits of International Agr and Natural Resources 2191, which can be used for CAFNR students as three credits of Humanities.

During the spring semester, students will review a book on Australia and discuss culture, courses, and planning for the trip. In Australia, student assessment will be based on a written project, a book report, performance in class and conduct.

Accommodation

Housing is provided mainly in university dormitories. However, some accommodations will be in hostels. In hostels students may share a room with one other student or perhaps four or more other students.

Funding Study Abroad

CAFNR scholarships and loans are available for CAFNR students on this program. Students may also use Financial Aid and University Scholarships for study abroad.

Requirements

2.8 GPA
Good academic standing.
Open to all MU students.

Costs

Program: Australia
Dates: June 1, 2008 - June 29, 2008

Australia Summer 2008 (early estimate)*
Tuition and Fees (in-state students) 6 credits:	$1,500
Airfare:	$1,300
Program Fees:	$4,066
International Center Fees and MU Fees:	$145
CAFNR Study Abroad Grant to Supplement Program:	-$1,200
Total Cost:	$5,811

*Important Notice

The above costs are estimates for summer 2008 based on 20 students on the program. Costs are estimates for in-state students and include most meals, but do not include personal spending money. Nonresident students will also be billed for 20 percent of their non-resident fees for the number of credits on the program. Please check with the program director for updated cost information.