Australia Program Details

Australia evokes images of pioneers,  open spaces, huge farms, pristine beaches and of course marsupials.  Australia also boasts beautiful mountains, tropical rain forests, the world’s longest coral reef, a sophisticated business and arts scene, huge sporting prowess, excellent schools and universities and an indigenous population with rich cultural traditions.  The Australia program involves students in all these aspects of the country and provides ample opportunity to meet Australians and get to know them and their great country.

Meet your Teacher Counselor and fellow students on arrival in the International Departure City.  There is time to explore the local sights, complete your orientation and enjoy dinner together.   The next day you travel together on an overnight flight to Australia.

Meet your Program Director on arrival in Cairns, Australia. 

Great Barrier Reef

• Meet with a reef ecology expert to discuss the Great Barrier Reef, a line of islands over 1,000 miles long that lies 10-20 miles off the coast.
• Tour the Great Barrier Reef with a marine biologist and try snorkeling to see its bounty up close.
• Learn native traditions at an Aboriginal center, including the use of boomerangs for hunting and how to play the didgeridoo, and meet Australia’s two favorite animals, the kangaroo and the koala bear.

Tropical Rain Forest

• Stay at an eco-lodge in the dense tropical rain forest.
• Explore Cape Tribulation, the Marlin coast and the Mossman River Gorge.
• Explore the rainforest with a naturalist to discover its unique animal and plant life.
• Teambuilding and leadership-oriented activities at the beach, which may include raft building, team challenges and much more.

Fly from Cairns to Sydney.

Sydney

• Sightseeing tour with local guide includes The Rocks, the amazing Opera House, St Mary’s Cathedral, the Queen Victoria Building, the Royal Botanic Gardens and a cruise in Sydney Harbour underneath the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.
• An evening cultural event at the theatre or opera.
• Visit to a university campus.
• Meeting with a business leader to discuss the business climate in Australia and its unique relationship with Asia.

Bush Walk

Bush walk in the beautiful Blue Mountains (easy to moderately challenging) with magical views, fascinating fauna and flora, and sacred aboriginal sites.

Sheep Station

Two-day stay on a sheep station to learn about the lifestyle and try your hand at sheep shearing and preparing bush tucker.

Bio Tapestry/Discussion and Debates

Throughout the program, you'll engage in discussions and debates related to what you are seeing and its significance.  You'll work in study groups to create “tapestries” describing your experiences and discoveries infused with contemporary and historical themes.

Board your return flight to the United States. After clearing customs and immigration, you will be checked in to your connector flight (if applicable) to return home.

Note: Your program may differ in some areas due to scheduling conflicts, unforeseen changes and new opportunities. Your program's final schedule will be confirmed closer to departure. The International Departure City is subject to change.