University of Wisconsin - Stout

A Study Abroad Experience in Lismore, Australia

Courses offered in General Education, Business, Fine Arts, Psychology and Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism

Program Cost (per semester): $7,970 (includes housing)
Fall Dates: July – November
Spring Dates: February- June
Deadline for Fall: February 15, 2008
Deadline for Spring: October 1, 2008
Number of Positions: 15-20
Updated: December 27, 2007

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Program Description

University of Wisconsin-Stout students in any major have an opportunity to gain international experience studying and traveling in Australia while earning credit toward their degree program. Southern Cross University has about 6,000 full- and part-time students including students from many different countries. Located in the commercial hub of culturally rich and rapidly developing northern New South Wales, Lismore campus is only a thirty-five minute drive from iconic Byron Bay. The campus has been designed to blend with the surrounding countryside, providing state-of-the-art facilities in a tranquil, harmonious learning environment. The adjacent rainforest and coast provide natural laboratories for our research activities. The Lismore campus houses the majority of the University's academic facilities, electronic information services and state-of-the-art library. It provides the full range of recreational facilities expected by students including access to email, sports facilities, and residence halls. Additionally, The SCU International Office provides regular excursions to the nearby beaches, rainforests, the Outback, the Gold Coast and other areas so students can deepen their experience with the Australian culture.

For more information, visit Southern Cross University's website.

Lismore, New South Wales

map of Australia Southern Cross University is located in the semitropical city of Lismore, (population 45,000) New South Wales about one hour by airplane from Sydney and Brisbane. The surrounding hills are dotted with historical villages and rustic hamlets. Nearby is Nimbin, site of the Aquarius Festival and the 'spiritual home' of Australia's alternative lifestyle movement. From Lismore, students have easy access to Byron Bay, Australia’s most easterly point. Only 35 minutes from Lismore, Byron Bay provides an international focal point for the area's thriving hospitality industry. The coastline in the region is one of Australia’s best, offering long stretches of beaches for swimming and surfing. The Gold Coast, Australia’s premier tourist spot for nightlife, casinos, surfing and theme parks, is located about an hour north of Lismore. The Great Barrier Reef is only a few hours to the north. The region around Lismore is also noted for its world-renowned rain forests where students can enjoy mountain climbing and bushwalking.

Courses

Students, with the approval of their program director, choose 3 classes equally 12 credits within the following disciplines: Art, Business, Hospitality, human development and general education. The method of instruction is similar to that in the U.S., but students are typically expected to do more independent work outside of class. Grades are typically based more on written work and a large exam at the end of the semester rather than on periodic quizzes. In general, students studying in Australia need to be mature, self-directed, and have excellent writing and thinking skills to have a fulfilling learning experience abroad.

Students should register for courses based on their program requirements; however, if students have general credits available, courses pertaining to Australian culture will enrich the student’s experience. SCU offers courses in Australian Perspectives and Outdoor Education that are popular among study abroad students.

Estimated Costs

Students will pay a program fee to UW-Stout to cover the cost of tuition, health insurance, service and contingency fees, housing and laptop fees. All other expenses, including personal expenses, visa fees, meals and travel are paid directly by students. Eligible students can use their financial aid to help pay these expenses. Costs are subject to change and can vary due to exchange rates, host institution increases, travel to, from and within the host country, and personal spending habits.

Estimated Program Cost: $7,970

Estimated Housing Costs: (included in program cost)

Estimated Personal Expenses: $3,872

Total Estimated Costs: $11,842

For further breakdown of all estimated costs, please contact the Office of International Education (below).

Eligibility

This study abroad program is open to students in any program who can use the courses at SCU to meet degree requirements at Stout. Students must be at least a sophomore and must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher to participate. Applicants will also need the approval of their program director and one letter of reference from a faculty member.

Housing and Meals

The International Office at SCU houses students in the residence halls on campus or in university-managed apartments near campus. Students generally have private bedrooms but share the bathroom, kitchen and lounge with four to six other students.

Students prepare most meals at their accommodation, but there are snack bars on campus where students can purchase food items.

Passport/Visa

Students make their own travel arrangements to Australia. When making travel arrangements if you are unable to get a direct flight to Lismore you should make arrangements to fly into Ballina. Depending on the starting and ending date of the term, students may have the option of traveling in Australia before as well as after the end of the program. Students will need to have a passport and visa to study in Australia. The Office of International Education can provide more information on travel and immigration requirements.

Application Procedures

Please make an appointment with the Office of International Education (OIE), 400 Bowman Hall, to review and receive the application materials. Completed forms are returned to OIE. A $100 nonrefundable application fee is paid to the Student Business Services Office located in the Administration Building at time of application. Once accepted by UW-Stout, a $200 nonrefundable service fee will be required to hold a place in the program.

After applications are approved by UW-Stout, a $200 service fee must be paid to hold a place on the program. Applications will then be sent to Southern Cross University, which will issue a formal confirmation of enrollment to the student.

For detailed instructions on the application process, please see how to apply.

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