Program Overview
Program Overview
Geographic isolation. Biodiversity of marine and terrestrial species. If you’re interested in exploring a inimitable ecosystem subject to a host of vital ecological and sustainability issues, then you need to study abroad in Australia.
Through coursework, excursions, and internships with local environmental groups and agencies, the Ecology, Conservation, and Sustainability program challenges students to examine the complexities and opportunities surrounding environmental issues in Australia.
Study abroad in Australia and you will:
- Partake in an experiential learning model, utilizing a series of field-based site visits, classroom lectures, and laboratory work
- Spend time at the Curtin University Sustainability and Policy Institute, a nationally renowned Institute headed by Professor Peter Newman, a globally-known environmental scientist and sustainability expert
- Spend the last month of the program working at the CIEE field station at Ningaloo Reef
The CIEE Difference
The CIEE Difference
Coursework
Explore a variety of academic areas including biology, marine ecology, sustainability, and environmental studies, in a program consisting of three distinct modules.
The first 11 weeks are spent study in Fremantle. You'll then enjoy one week of independent travel followed by a four-week field study based at the Ningaloo Marine Park where you’ll participate in the course marine biology and ecology of Western Australia.
Fieldwork
In Australia, the field is your classroom. In addition to the month you’ll spend studying tropical marine ecosystems in a pristine coral reef environment, every course in the program makes extensive use of lab work, lectures, workshops, and student-led projects.
Dates, Deadlines & Fees
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.
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
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
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 (14 wks)
11/01/2013
02/15/2014
05/24/2014
$19,850
Program Date Notes
Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
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
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
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.
Eligibility
Eligibility
- Overall GPA 2.75
- 2 semesters of college-level biology required
- Upper-level coursework in ecology and/or zoology recommended
Recommended Credit
Recommended Credit
Total recommended credit for the semester is 15 semester/22.5 quarter hours.
Program Requirements
Program Requirements
Students take all classes on the study abroad program.
About the City
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 three 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.
Meet The Staff
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
Western Australia’s geographical isolation, biodiversity of marine and terrestrial species, and diversity of environments (from the lush forests of the southwest to the deserts and freshwater gorges of the northwest) contribute to a unique opportunity to explore the distinctive natural environment of this large state.
With the unique ecology come many important environmental and sustainability issues. Students examine and engage in the solutions to these issues firsthand. Volunteer projects and for-credit internships are offered and strongly recommended for students committed to the ideals of sustainability and the environment.
Students live in close proximity to the port city of Fremantle, a current hub for many green initiatives by the local government and community groups.
— Paul Hollick, Resident Director
“”
Kate Rodger
Dr. Kate Rodger works in the School of Environmental Science at Murdoch University as lecturer in Australian environmental issues. She is a natural resource sociologist with expertise in natural area tourism and biodiversity conservation. Current research interests include human-wildlife interactions in the marine and terrestrial environment, identifying and minimizing visitor impacts through visitor management techniques in protected areas, improving links between science and policy, and integrating ecological and social sciences in nature tourism research. Kate has travelled extensively around Australia and the world, having spent time in Europe, America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Read More
Where You'll Study
Where You'll Study
The City of Fremantle is located 20 km’s down river from the capital Perth. It is a working port city with rich culture and history. Many buildings that feature Federation style architecture from European settlement still exist. It has a population of roughly 25,000 and is also the base for Notre Dame University (Australia). Fremantle offers students the opportunity to be part of a more vibrant community and have the chance to participate in a variety of co-curricular activities.
The field-based research for conservation biology will take place in the biodiversity hotspot in the south west of Western Australia. The tropical marine ecology module will be based at Coral Bay, a town located on the Ningaloo Reef in the north west of Western Australia. The Ningaloo Marine Park is home to 200 species of hard coral, 50 of soft coral, and over 500 species of fish. Students on the spring term will likely also see whale sharks, which inhabit the reef area from April through June each year.
Housing & Meals
Housing & Meals
Housing is included in the program fee. Housing will consist of a rented accommodation in close vicinity of Fremantle. During the field study portion of the program, students will stay in accommodations near the Ningaloo Reef.
Orientations
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.
Internet
Internet
You are encouraged to bring a wireless-enabled laptop. Internet will be available in your housing and at local cafes.
Academics
Academics
Academic Program
The Ecology, Conservation, and Sustainability study abroad program is designed to engage students in a variety of academic areas including biology, marine ecology, sustainability, and environmental studies. The program combines classroom-based studies with field-based experiential learning and community engagement. The program consists of three distinct modules. During the first 11 weeks, students mainly live in Fremantle and take three out of their four courses. Students then partake in a one-week volunteer experience, followed by a four-week field study based at the Ningaloo Marine Park where they participate in the final course, marine biology and ecology of Western Australia.
Through the program students will develop a sound understanding of the major environmental and sustainability issues facing Australia, the causes of the environmental problems, and what is being done about them. They will be able to demonstrate their knowledge of the physical processes that characterize the Western Australia marine environment; explain the key physiological and ecological processes that occur on coral reefs; list the plants and animals that dominate the tropical marine environment of Western Australia; and outline the ecological roles of key groups of organisms in the marine environment.
Students will also be able to demonstrate their knowledge of the Australasian and Aboriginal cultures of Western Australia, developing a clear comparative understanding of ethnicity/race dynamics in Western Australia and their connection to environmental issues there.
Language of Instruction
English
Course Description
Course Description
All Courses
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment.
CIEE Study Center Syllabi
To view the most recent syllabi for courses taught by CIEE at our Study Centers, visit our syllabi site.
ENVI 3001 FREO
Global and Regional Sustainability
This course provides an introduction to the key issues in sustainability at a global, national, and state level. We look at where we have come from, where are we now, and our visions of the future. Topics include: climate change, water depletion and management, food security, indigenous sustainability, energy and peak oil, biodiversity, poverty, population, and consumption. We will also look at how these issues are addressed in an Australian context and explore what can be done at an individual level. The course includes experiential exercises and group projects to enhance students’ understanding of concepts in the course. Recommended credit: 4 semester/6 quarter hours (25 lecture hours, 50 workshop hours).
BIOL 3001 FREO / CONS 3001 FREO
Conservation Biology
The south west region of Western Australia is known as a biodiversity hotspot with a large number of endemic species of flora and fauna. Students are introduced to GIS and introductory statistical research methods in this module. Students study key ecological concepts and techniques and their implementation in the field, as well as the major issues and approaches involved in the conservation of flora and fauna in Western Australia. Topics: biodiversity, population biology and conservation, extinction and populations at risk, management of biota in conservation areas, and translocations and reintroduction of biota. The course includes a combination of fieldwork, lectures, and workshops. It also includes an independent research project cumulating in a research report and presentation. Recommended credit: 4 semester/6 quarter hours (25 lecture hours, 50 workshop hours)
ECOL 3001 FREO / BIO 3002 FREO
Marine Biology and Ecology of Western Australia
Based at the CIEE field station at Ningaloo Reef, students are able to study marine ecosystems in a pristine coral reef environment. This module provides an introduction to Western Australian biogeography and habitats, covering advanced topics in biology, physiology, and ecology of marine plants and animals. Human impacts and conservation of marine environments are addressed. This unit will take place predominantly at the field station in the Ningaloo Marine Park. The course will include independent research as a component of the course, cumulating in a research report and presentation. Recommended credit: 4 semester/6 quarter hours (30 lecture hours, 60 lab hours)
CLST 3001 FREO
Seminar on Living and Learning in Fremantle
The Seminar on Living and Learning in Fremantle is designed to improve students’ intercultural communication and competence while studying abroad by considering how Australians are different from and similar to themselves and others. The course offers opportunities, both in and outside the classroom, to develop insights and the skills necessary to interact effectively and appropriately and to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the cultural richness of Australia. Contact hours: 45. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours. Instructor: Paul Hollick, CIEE Resident Director.
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