ciee - council on international educational exchange
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featured programs

Study in China
beijing - chinese language + culture

Study in France
paris - critical studies

Study in Nicaragua
managua - liberal arts

Study in the Czech Republic
prague - film studies

Study in Italy
naples - liberal arts

Study in Italy
naples - classical studies

Study in Germany
berlin - language + culture

Study in Thailand
khon kaen - community public health

Study in Australia
perth - sustainability + the environment

Is this program right for you?

This program is designed for humanities and/or science students with an academic interest in Australian culture and a desire to study and live in both an urban and coastal location.

Program Snapshot

  • Many study options, from Australian studies and engineering to environmental studies, health sciences, biological sciences, and education
  • A modern, well-equipped university on a friendly, beautiful campus close to beaches and Sydney; staffed on-site by full-time CIEE staff
  • A variety of excursions organized by CIEE staff, including a three-day bush walking trip to the New South Wales coast, as well as many educational opportunities, including visits to the Sydney Opera House and surfing lessons

Subject Areas

  • Art
  • Australian Studies
  • Behavioral Sciences
  • Biological Sciences
  • Business
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Exercise Science
  • Geosciences
  • Health Sciences
  • Politics
  • Psychology
  • Science
  • Sociology

About Wollongong

Wollongong is Australia’s ninth largest city, with a regional population of 400,000. While it is close to some of Australia’s major cities, it also offers easy access to some of the region’s finest natural scenery. It is situated along the coast with dramatic hills providing a stunning backdrop. Wollongong is cosmopolitan, with lively nightlife and well-developed cultural venues, including theaters, cinemas, art galleries, multicultural restaurants, and public transportation. A regular and efficient train service runs between the University and Sydney.

Where You'll Study

University of Wollongong

The University of Wollongong is a progressive teaching and research-oriented university. It is at the leading edge of many fields, including environmental science, health services, telecommunications, and multicultural studies. It has a total student population of around 20,000, of which 5,000 students are from over 60 countries around the world. The University is situated at the base of Mt. Keira with breathtaking views of the ocean. A full range of sporting facilities is available on campus, including an Olympic-sized heated swimming pool, gymnasium, basketball, tennis, badminton and squash courts, and a weight room.

Thoughts From Abroad

Wollongong is close to everything. Sydney is just over an hour away by train; the Blue Mountains are three hours away; and Canberra, the nation’s capital, is a two and a half hour drive. The beautiful campus is set between the mountains and the sea; surfing and hiking abound year-round.

The real appeal, however, is the friendly nature of the campus. It has a regional feel with approximately 20,000 students, while also maintaining a multicultural flavor. For these reasons and more, the University of Wollongong is very well respected. It has been ranked as one of the top 200 universities in the world by The Times Higher Education Supplement, Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings 2006/2007. It was also one of the two universities nationwide to achieve top-tier rankings in every discipline category of the Australian Government’s Learning and Teaching Performance Fund for 2008.

So, in a nutshell, for those who like the out-of-doors and like the idea of living on the east coast, close to excellent surf beaches and a thriving local community, Wollongong is the ideal place to study.

— Tonia Gray, Resident Director

Staff Bios

Dr. Tonia Gray, Resident Director, has a wealth of experience leading students in various capacities, particularly in relation to outdoor education. Her degrees include a B.Ed. (with Distinction) in Health and Physical Education, an M.A. in Community Health, and a Ph.D. in Outdoor/Experiential Education. Dr. Gray has focused on different aspects of education, including burnout in the teaching profession and differential gender outcomes in experiential programs. In addition to her role as Resident Director, she is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education at the University of Wollongong. In April 2009, Dr. Tonia Gray received a top teaching award at the University of Wollongong. Dr. Gray will receive “The Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Teaching and Learning” and will be entered into a national competition. Dr. Gray is an ideal facilitator for study abroad students with sporting and outdoor interests; her hobbies are swimming, running, camping, hiking, and rappelling.

Assistant Resident Director Juliet Richardson has worked with the CIEE program in Wollongong since 2002, after more than a decade with the University of Wollongong in alumni management and public relations. Originally from England, Juliet has a B.A. in French and spent a year in France as part of her studies. She has traveled widely, but now calls Wollongong home and loves sharing the area’s natural beauty with others. Her interests include hiking, tennis, classic cars, and volunteer telephone counseling.

Recommended Credit

semester: 15 semester/22.5 quarter hours
academic or calendar year: 30 semester/45 quarter hours

Eligibility Requirements

  • Overall GPA 3.0
  • Students with lower GPAs may be accepted; contact CIEE for more information.

Program Dates

Fall 20097/17/2009 - 11/21/2009
Academic Year 2009-107/17/2009 - 2/26/2010
Spring 20102/19/2010 - 6/26/2010
Calendar Year 20102/19/2010 - TBA

Application Deadlines

Fall 20094/1/2009
Academic Year 2009-104/1/2009
Spring 201011/1/2009
Calendar Year 201011/1/2009

Click here to check for deadline extensions.

Duration

Fall 200918 weeks
mid-July - mid-November
Academic Year 2009-1048 weeks
mid-July - mid-June
Spring 201018 weeks
mid-February - late June
Calendar Year 201040 weeks
mid-February - late November

CIEE Costs

CIEE program fees, inclusions, and estimated additional costs, are outlined below. Please note that CIEE reserves the right to adjust its fees in the event of significant change in exchange rates or other factors beyond its control. The actual cost of the programs may vary slightly for students from different institutions.

For comprehensive fee breakdowns and estimated additional costs, click the costs below:

  • Fall 2009 $14,900
    The CIEE program fees include tuition, housing, most meals, full-time program leadership and support, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, local excursions , field trips, host institution identity card, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.*Includes mandatory Australian insurance

    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 below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$9,820
    Medical Insurance*$235
    Housing and Most Meals$4,845
    Total$14,900

    The CIEE program fees include tuition, housing, most meals, full-time program leadership and support, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, local excursions , field trips, host institution identity card, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.*Includes mandatory Australian insurance



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below 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.

    Meals (additional)$630
    Books and Supplies**$330
    Visa Fees$450
    Personal Expenses$3,350
    Local Transportation$330
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. West Coast departure)$1,550
    Total$6,640

    **This includes internet  fees


  • Academic Year 2009-10 $26,800
    The CIEE program fees include tuition, housing, most meals, full-time program leadership and support, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, local excursions , field trips, host institution identity card, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.*Includes mandatory Australian insurance

    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 below.

    Housing and Most Meals$9,690
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$16,715
    Medical Insurance*$395
    Total$26,800

    The CIEE program fees include tuition, housing, most meals, full-time program leadership and support, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, local excursions , field trips, host institution identity card, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.*Includes mandatory Australian insurance



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below 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.

    Personal Expenses**$6,700
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. West Coast departure)$1,550
    Meals (additional)$1,260
    Books and Supplies***$660
    Local Transportation$660
    Visa Fees$450
    Total$11,280

    **Students following the U.S. academic year (Australian Semester II-Semester I) should budget $1,500 for inter-semester (December to mid-February) housing and meals.  Students following the U.S. calendar year should budget $800 for inter-semester housing and meals in July.  These expenses are not included in the Additional Costs listed.

    ***This includes internet  fees


  • Spring 2010 $15,500
    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, most meals, full-time program leadership and support, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, local excursions , field trips, host institution identity card, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. *Includes mandatory Australian insurance

    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 below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$10,180
    Housing and Most Meals$5,085
    Medical Insurance*$235
    Total$15,500

    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, most meals, full-time program leadership and support, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, local excursions , field trips, host institution identity card, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. *Includes mandatory Australian insurance



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below 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.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U. S. West Coast departure)$1,450
    Meals (additional)$650
    Books and Supplies**$330
    Local Transportation$330
    Visa Fees$450
    Personal Expenses$3,200
    Total$6,410

    **This includes internet  fees


  • Calendar Year 2010 $29,500
    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, most meals, full-time program leadership and support, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, local excursions , field trips, host institution identity card, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. *Includes mandatory Australian insurance

    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 below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$19,415
    Housing and Most Meals$9,690
    Medical Insurance*$395
    Total$29,500

    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, most meals, full-time program leadership and support, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, local excursions , field trips, host institution identity card, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. *Includes mandatory Australian insurance



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below 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.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. West Coast departure)$1,450
    Meals (additional)$1,300
    Books and Supplies***$660
    Local Transportation$660
    Visa Fees$450
    Personal Expenses**$6,400
    Total$10,920

    **Students following the U.S. academic year (Australian Semester II-Semester I) should budget $1,500 for inter-semester (December to mid-February) housing and meals.  Students following the U.S. calendar year should budget $800 for inter-semester housing and meals in July.  These expenses are not included in the Additional Costs listed.

    ***This includes internet  fees


Scholarship Information

For a complete list of scholarships available, please vist our Scholarships section.