arts + sciences

Quick Info

By Term

• Fall 2014
• Spring 2014
• Spring 2015
• Academic year 2014-2015
• Calendar year 2014

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Program Overview

Located on the Indian Ocean rim and just a few hours flight from major destinations in Asia, Perth is a vibrant multicultural city and home to one of the top universities in Australia. Whether you want to explore cross-cultural studies or the fields of biological science, ecology, and the environment, Arts and Sciences in Perth allows you to pursue your academic interests while helping you engage with, and become a full participant in, the local host culture.

Study abroad in Perth and you will:

• Benefit from full-time academic and personal study abroad support provided by a CIEE resident director who arranges excursions, volunteer opportunities, and cultural events
• Choose from a full range of academic offerings and for-credit internships including unique experiential options related to parliamentary law and community development
• Travel 2,500 miles through the outback of Western Australia while learning about amazing and diverse environments via an optional trip organized by Murdoch University
• Immerse yourself in a cultural program which includes a surf lesson, Australian Rules football match, Aboriginal Heritage tour, and wildlife park tour

The CIEE Difference

Coursework

You’ll have access to Murdoch University’s various departments and courses, including education, business and information technology, sustainable development, and media studies. You can also take advantage of various experiential learning opportunities including the university’s community development program and internships in public administration and political science

Excursions

The study abroad program and program fee includes a variety of excursions and activities focusing on Australian culture and the environment, such as Australian Rules football, an Aboriginal Heritage tour, bush walking, and excursions to museums, theaters, and art galleries. CIEE makes the most of Western Australia’s wonderful opportunities for outdoor recreation. Students take part in a surfing lesson, experiencing some of the world’s best surf beaches. Many students independently achieve scuba diving certification.

For an additional fee, study abroad students can embark on The Northwest Excursion, an optional trip organized by Murdoch University to the rugged northwest region of Western Australia to an area known as the Pilbara.

Internship

Parliamentary and Public Sector Internship

The University offers qualified, motivated students the opportunity to undertake a fully accredited internship in political science and public administration, which includes working with members of the State’s parliament or public sector department under the supervision of Murdoch University faculty members. Topics that students can work on vary widely. Study abroad students intending to apply for this internship must check with their own institution in the U.S. prior to registration to ensure that credit earned will transfer. The internship is worth eight Murdoch University credit points. This option is offered in the U.S. fall semester only.

Dates, Deadlines & Fees

We want to make sure you get the most out of your experience when you study abroad with CIEE, which is why we offer the most inclusions in our fees.

• Tuition and housing
• Pre-departure advising and optional on-site airport meet and greet
• Full-time program leadership and support
• Field trips and cultural activities
• CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits

Please note, program dates are subject to change. Please contact your CIEE Study Abroad Advisor before purchasing airfare. Click the button to view more detailed information about dates and fees as well as estimated additional costs. Please talk with your University Study Abroad Advisor about additional fees that may be charged by your home institution when participating in a program abroad.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Fall 2014

04/01/2014

TBA

TBA

$19,850

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$15,454

Housing

$3,750

Insurance ***

$346

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** includes mandatory Australian insurance

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee

$1,900

International Airfare *

$2,650

Local Transportation

$120

Books & Supplies

$350

Visa Fees

$535

Personal expenses

$3,200

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

Spring 2014 (18 wks)

11/01/2013

02/15/2014

06/21/2014

$19,850

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$15,454

Housing

$3,750

Insurance ***

$346

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** includes mandatory Australian insurance

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee

$1,900

International Airfare *

$2,650

Local Transportation

$120

Books & Supplies

$350

Visa Fees

$535

Personal expenses

$3,200

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

Spring 2015

11/01/2014

TBA

TBA

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

Estimated Additional Costs

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

Academic year 2014-2015

04/01/2014

TBA

TBA

$37,700

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$29,310

Housing

$7,500

Insurance ***

$590

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** includes mandatory Australian insurance

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee

$3,800

International Airfare *

$2,650

Local Transportation

$240

Books & Supplies

$700

Visa Fees

$535

Personal expenses

$6,400

Expenses during break **

$1,600

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

** academic year students are responsible for housing and meals during the semester break (December to mid-February)

Calendar year 2014

11/01/2013

02/15/2014

TBA

$37,700

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$29,310

Housing

$7,500

Insurance ***

$590

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** includes mandatory Australian insurance

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee

$3,800

International Airfare *

$2,650

Local Transportation

$240

Books & Supplies

$700

Visa Fees

$535

Personal expenses

$6,400

Expenses during break **

$800

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

** calendar year students are responsible for housing and meals during the semester break

Eligibility

• Overall GPA 2.75

Recommended Credit

Total recommended credit for the semester is 16–18 semester/24–27 quarter hours. Total recommended credit for the academic or calendar year is 32–34 semester/48–51 quarter hours.

Program Requirements

All study abroad students are required to take 12 Murdoch points per semester. A typical course load is three courses at Murdoch University. One course must have substantial Australian content. Students may take the CIEE Seminar on Living and Learning in Perth in addition to the typical course load of three courses. Students who are granted permission from their study abroad advisor and CIEE resident director to “overload” (more than 12 Murdoch University points) will be required to pay additional registration/tuition fees to Murdoch University at the time of enrollment.

About The City

Perth is the state capital of Western Australia. With a population of 1.8 million people, its many contrasts range from skyscrapers and nightlife to more than 30 miles of white sandy beaches. It is ranked as Australia’s most environmentally attractive city, has more hours of sunshine than any other Australian city, and was ranked in a 2010 survey as one of the world’s top 10 lifestyle destinations. The local population enjoys a cosmopolitan outdoor lifestyle, first-class cultural, social, and recreational amenities, and excellent proximity to the major cities of Asia.

Fremantle

Fremantle is the city closest to Murdoch University and is located approximately 12 miles southwest from downtown Perth. Fremantle is where students spend most of their time outside of class. Known as “Freo” to the locals, the city has a great alternative feel and is at the forefront of many green initiatives in Western Australia, having recently elected the first Greens state representative and the first Greens mayor. The city is also a popular entertainment district with numerous cafés, a great live music scene, and art galleries situated in and around central “Freo.”

Meet The Staff

Paul Hollick

Paul Hollick has worked with the CIEE program in Perth since 2001 and has a wide range of experience in the fields of tertiary and sports administration and recreation. His work with CIEE equips him with considerable experience in revealing his native state of Western Australia to students from across the U.S. Though he has lived most of his life in Perth, Paul has traveled extensively in Europe, Southeast Asia, and the United States. Paul possesses a B.Sc. in environmental science from Edith Cowan University, demonstrating his life-long commitment to the environment and all things green. His other interests include football, rugby, camping, water sports, and all outdoor recreation.

Read More

Perth, Western Australia, consistently ranks as one of the top ten most livable cities in the world. With its Mediterranean climate, amazing natural environment, indigenous culture, and friendly locals you’ll be on a smooth journey of self-discovery and exploration. If you are a student who wants to discover the real Australia and its amazing Outback, then come down under to Perth!

The climate and pristine environment, from the temperate rain forest of the southwest to tropical beaches and national park lands of the north, make outdoor sports and recreation possible all year round. During the semester, students have the opportunity to dive with the world’s largest fish—the whale shark—snorkel with sea turtles, swim with wild dolphins, walk amongst the tops of ancient trees, sleep under a canopy of stars in the Outback, or surf some of the best surf breaks in the world at Margaret River.

Life in Perth and Fremantle, the smaller port town 12 miles downriver from the city of Perth, offers everything one would expect from a vibrant cosmopolitan city. Perth has developed its own unique character where a good work-life balance is important to the locals. Fremantle is a particularly vibrant city with a diverse mix of cultures resulting in an energetic music, food, and environmental scene. Perfect for the student who wants to engage in the local culture and take part in its many offerings.

— Paul Hollick, Resident Director

“”

Where You'll Study

Murdoch University is one of Australia’s leading universities, and the only university in the country to achieve The Good Universities Guide’s five-star rating for graduate satisfaction for 12 out of the last 13 years. More than 18,000 students are enrolled in the three major academic divisions: arts, science and engineering, and health sciences. More than 2,000 international students, from approximately 90 different countries, are currently enrolled. Murdoch University is situated in a suburb of Perth, 12 miles south of Perth city and eight miles east of Fremantle; both are easily accessible by public transportation.

Housing & Meals

Study abroad students are assigned furnished housing on campus at Murdoch University Village which provides high-quality, multicultural living facilities. A range of modern, fully furnished, five-to-eight bedroom apartments with private bedrooms, large kitchens, and spacious lounge areas are available to students. Contemporary passive solar design, high-quality fittings, and in-room pay-per-use Internet provide functional and vibrant spaces designed specifically for the student lifestyle.

Students choosing the U.S. academic year study abroad program beginning in July are responsible for housing during the summer recess (December to mid-February). Students choosing the U.S. calendar year program beginning in February are responsible for their own housing during the recess in July. Meals are not included in the program fee and are the responsibility of the student.

Orientations

You'll begin your study abroad experience in Perth even before leaving home by participating in a CIEE online pre-departure orientation. Meeting with students online, the resident director shares information about the program and site, highlighting issues that alumni have said are important, and giving you time to ask questions. The online orientation allows you to connect with others in the group, reflect on what you want to get out of the program, and learn what others in the group would like to accomplish. CIEE’s aim for the pre-departure orientation is simple—to help you understand more about the program, and identify your objectives so that you arrive well-informed and return home having made significant progress towards your goals.

The one-week mandatory CIEE study abroad orientation, conducted in Perth at the beginning of the program, will introduce you to Australian society and culture, and the academic environment at Murdoch University. It will also provide practical information about living in the Perth/Fremantle area. At the end of orientation week, you'll participate in a catered weekend excursion to beautiful Rottnest Island in February, or to the temperate rainforest region of the state’s southwest in July. Ongoing support is provided by CIEE staff on an individual and group basis throughout the program.

Internet

You are encouraged to bring a wireless-enabled laptop. You can obtain an Internet connection in on-campus housing at your own expense through a local provider. Murdoch University has free wireless access for students and free Internet access on computers on campus. You'll also have access to the Internet in several computer labs throughout campus as well as at the CIEE Study Center.

Culture

In addition to cultural excursions, there are opportunities for weekend homestays with rural families, and the chance to undertake community work in study-related areas. You may also participate in additional trips arranged outside of the typical excursion program for an extra fee. Many students participate in up to 20 hours of part-time work which, in addition to providing income, provides deep insight into Australian society outside of university life.

Northwest Excursion (Optional)

The Northwest Excursion is an optional trip organized by Murdoch University to the rugged northwest region of Western Australia known as the Pilbara. The Pilbara covers close to 2,500 square miles and includes plains of wild flowers and mountainous outcrops—among the oldest on earth. It is also home to some of Australia’s most hardy fauna and flora. Students may come across the shy rock wallaby, perentie lizard, grey and red kangaroos, and many other unique animals.

Monkey Mia in Shark Bay is one of the highlights of the excursion. Monkey Mia is a World Heritage Site and attracts schools of dolphins to its shores daily. It is the closest you will get to a dolphin unless you work in a marine park. Along with the dolphins, you will see marine life such as dugongs (manatees), called the “Mermaids of the Sea,” and turtles. This area is also home to our oldest living ancestors, the stromatolites, which have evolved over three or four billion years, and Shell Beach, an entire beach made of shells.

You can snorkel in the Ningaloo Reef, which is also a World Heritage Site. More accessible than the Great Barrier Reef and home to as many as 500 species of tropical fish and 200 species of coral, it is home to the migratory whale sharks, the “gentle giants” of the sea. Humpback whales also cruise just beyond the reef during the months of July, October, and November.

Another highlight of the excursion is Karijini National Park. Hidden among Western Australia’s mining towns, this area is untouched and pristine in beauty. While enjoying the splendor of its gorges and flora and fauna, you'll swim in freshwater rock pools. The hikes and trails through the gorges are challenging, as well as breathtaking with their Aboriginal drawings and wildlife. Billions of years old, the rocky gorges are spectacular in formation.

This activity is organized by Murdoch University and available to all students on-site for an additional fee of AU875 Australian paid directly to the university.

Academics

Established in 1991 as the first CIEE program in Australia, the Arts and Sciences study abroad program at the CIEE Study Center at Murdoch University has hosted hundreds of students from universities across the U.S. The CIEE Study Center provides a supportive, yet challenging environment in which to study and gain firsthand knowledge of Australian life and culture. In addition to a wide range of liberal arts subjects, Murdoch University has particularly strong offerings in business, media and film studies, communications, and field-based sciences. A parliamentary internship is also offered during the fall semester.

Academic Culture

All courses are taught by Murdoch faculty which, proportionately, hold the highest number of doctorates of all Australian universities. Murdoch University uses a point system and the normal full-time course load is 12 points each semester, which is equivalent to 15 U.S. semester credits. Most Murdoch University subjects are designated as either three- or four-point classes. Students are eligible to enroll in any course for which they are qualified, with the exception of a few, specialized subjects offered by the Veterinary and Chiropractic Schools.

The approach to teaching in Australian universities requires that students take a great deal of responsibility for their own learning. A typical subject consists of two hours of lectures and one-to-two hours of tutorials per week, with the addition of lab work in the sciences. Many science classes also involve fieldwork. While contact hours are not high, students are expected to undertake a significant amount of directed reading on their own time. Self-motivation and self-discipline are encouraged by the Australian system.

The Murdoch University academic year lasts from early February through the end of November and is divided into two semesters. Semester I (early February to mid-June) corresponds to the spring semester at U.S. institutions and Semester II (late July to late November) corresponds to the U.S. fall semester. The program at Murdoch University is offered both semesters and consists of a one-week orientation, 12 weeks of classes, two-week mid-semester break, one-week study period, and two-week final exam period. The academic year program consists of two consecutive semesters and may follow the U.S. academic year (Semester II and Semester I) or the Australian calendar year (Semester I followed by Semester II). Students who apply for the U.S. academic year program can take advantage of the three month summer (Christmas) break to work or travel in the region.

Nature of Classes

Study abroad participants enroll directly in Murdoch University courses and take classes with Australian and other international students.

Grading System

Assessment is normally based on essays, project reports, midterms, tutorial/seminar participation and performance, and practical and final exams. Murdoch University employs a five-point grading system: High Distinction (HD); Distinction (D); Credit (C); Pass (P); and Fail (F). Grades are converted to a U.S. grading scale.

Language of Instruction

English

Faculty

All courses are taught by faculty from Murdoch University.

Course Description

Program Blog

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