Study Abroad in Australia for U.S. High School Students

A semester or year of high school study in Australia will be an experience of a lifetime. The sixth largest country in the world, Australia is slightly smaller than the United States and is the only country that occupies a complete continent. The Aborigines were the first and only inhabitants until 1770 when Captain James Cook took possession of the Eastern Coast for England. Today, Australia is a sovereign nation. It is a member of England's Commonwealth, and it officially recognizes Queen Elizabeth II as its leader.

"Oz" is home to The Great Barrier Reef - the largest coral formation in the world that is considered a national treasure. Australia has one of the world's most urbanized societies, with almost 90% of the population living along the coast. The Outback is where most of its land mass lies. It is the home to some of the world's largest desert plains and unique scenery. Nowhere else can you see koalas and kangaroos in their natural habitat. It is perceived as a mystical heartland or frontier - a symbol of Australia's strength and independence.

Placement, Host Families, Schools, and Support

CIEE's High School Study Abroad Program is the best way for U.S. high school students to become global citizens. The following describes the structure of CIEE's Study Abroad in Australia program: Student Exchange Australia, Ltd. (SEA) will be responsible for the placement and support of the students while in Australia, and they will carefully screen and select volunteer host families. The students will be placed with families and enrolled in schools in the Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne areas. While students may express an interest to live in a particular city, it is up to SEA to make the appropriate placement for the student based on the application.

Students will be placed in both private and public schools in Australia. A variety of courses are available for selection by the student, pending space availability at the school. At the end of the program, a student will receive an official report card and/or transcript, as it is not possible to receive a diploma from an Australian high school.

Each student will be assigned a local coordinator appointed by SEA. These local coordinators are available to provide complete supervision and support.

Academic Program

The Australian school calendar begins in February and runs to December. High School Abroad participants are expected to follow the school curriculum and fully participate in the academic program. Typically, Australian high school days run from 8 AM to 4 PM.

Eligibility Requirements

On the day of departure, students must be between the ages of 15 and 17.5 years old. Students must have a least 3.0 GPA and have completed 9th grade. Students must demonstrate, through the application process, their flexibility, maturity, adaptability, and readiness to face the challenges of a living in a new culture.

Program Dates & Prices

Application Deadlines

Visa

CIEE will provide the documentation necessary from our overseas partners to apply for the visa. The application and fees for the visa are the participant's responsibility.

Program Includes

• Selection, interview and screening of an appropriate Australian family
• Room and board with family
• Placement of student in a high school
• Supervision and support throughout the year by a Local Coordinator
• Periodic progress reports
• Transportation to and from a local airport
• Orientation before leaving USA
• Orientation upon arrival in Australia
• International airfare between US departure city and Australia
• Health and liability insurance

Program does not Include

• Round-trip domestic travel to US departure city
• Monthly spending allowance
• Textbooks and supplies
• Personal phone charges or other personal items
• Transportation to and from school

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