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

     The group will be led by an experienced Community College faculty member, who will teach the curriculum along with local faculty. Former program participants will serve as hosts and resident advisors to make the most of this experience.

To request more information and application, visit Contact Information.

Program Sponsors:
     - Green River Community College, Auburn, Washington
     - The Australian American Education Alliance
     - Community Colleges For International Development (CCID)
     - Selected Washington State Community Colleges

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 Unitec University, which is one of New Zealand's top educational institutions. Unitec is very popular with students worldwide and has a large international population. It is just minutes from Auckland city center and near main public transport routes.

     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: Australasian Life and Culture* – 5 credits
(*Required course for all students participating in the Australia/New Zealand program)
     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 Australasian 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 sociocultural framework for other courses they will take.

History: History of Australasia – 5 credits
     Examines the history of the Australasian nations Australia and New Zealand from the first human inhabitants of Australia some 60,000 years ago, the Maori settlement of New Zealand 800 years ago, and 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.

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, Australia Abroad Winter Quarter 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004, and is an experienced leader of study abroad programs.

     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. Breakfast is included daily and lunch is included four days per week while at Newman College. The cost of living in Melbourne is lower than in the United States.

     In Auckland, students will live with local host families. Home stays offer experience living with a New Zealand family and an opportunity to share customs and culture and participate in meals and household activities. Breakfast and dinner on class days and three meals a day on weekends is included in the homestay in Auckland.

There will be prearranged fully inclusive tours during your stay, including:

In Australia:
          - Ballarat Wildlife Park
          - Healesville Sanctuary
          - Sovereign Hill and Eureka Stockade
          - National Gallery of Victoria
          - Immigration Museum

In New Zealand:
          - War Memorial Museum
          - Parnell Village
          - Maori Cultural Village Experience
          - Waitakere Ranges

Additional Optional Activities
     Many other activities are optional and may require additional fee(s).

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 the airport and a tram/bus/rail pass in Melbourne, Zone 1, for the first month of the program.

What's 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
          - Home stay accommodations in Auckland
          - Breakfast daily while at Newman College
          - Lunch four days per week at Newman College
          - Breakfast and dinner daily at home stay in Auckland
          - Lunch on non-class days in home stay in Auckland
          - Tram/Bus/Rail pass for first month of the program
          - Some cultural activities and excursions
          - Pre-departure and arrival orientations
          - Welcome lunch in Melbourne
          - Student medical insurance

What's 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
          - Activities admissions
          - US and Australian airport fees and taxes ($125)
          - Anything not specified as included in the program

Cost of Program: USD $6,395.00

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