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?

Because of its location on the Indian Ocean rim and just a few hours flight from major destinations in Asia, Perth is a vibrant multicultural city with an outward-looking persona. The CIEE Study Center at Murdoch University reflects this and appeals strongly to students with an interest in cross-cultural studies, including interest in Australia’s indigenous population and culture.

It is also recommended for science students, particularly those in the fields of biological science, marine biology, ecology, and the environment. This program has an added attraction for students who enjoy the outdoors, and who are interested in internship opportunities.

Program Snapshot

  • Full-time local academic and personal support provided by on-site Resident Director, who arranges excursions, volunteer opportunities, and cultural events
  • Full range of academic offerings; dedicated on-campus CIEE Study Center; for-credit internships
  • 10-day trip to Pilbara, the Northwest area of Western Australia
  • Local activities, including a surfing lesson and an Australian Rules football match
  • Weekend homestays with rural families
  • Optional excursions to Thailand and Borneo

Subject Areas

  • Art
  • Australian Studies
  • Biological Sciences
  • Business
  • Communications
  • Computer Science
  • Cultural Studies
  • Culture (host country)
  • Education
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Humanities
  • Information Science
  • Internship
  • Law/Legal Studies
  • Management
  • Political Science
  • Public Policy
  • Science

About Perth

Perth is the state capital of Western Australia. With a population of 1.5 million people, its many contrasts range from skyscrapers and nightlife to over 30 miles of white sandy beaches. It is ranked Australia’s most environmentally attractive city, has more hours of sunshine than any other Australian city, and was ranked in a 2002 survey as one of the world’s top three 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 a port city located at the mouth of the Swan River on Australia’s western coast. The city is popular with diners, catering to all tastes and budgets. There are numerous cafés and coffee shops situated around Fremantle, particularly on its famous “Cappuccino Strip.” Fremantle is also popular place for the arts and its nightlife; it attracts people from all over the metropolitan region for its pubs, nightclubs, and art.

Where You'll Study

Murdoch University

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. Over 15,000 students are enrolled in the three major academic divisions: arts; science and engineering; and health sciences. Over 2,000 international students from approximately 40 different countries are currently enrolled. Murdoch University is situated in the suburbs of Perth (30 minutes from downtown), and students usually divide their social time between the city centers of Perth and Fremantle, both easily accessible by public transportation.

Thoughts From Abroad

For anyone wishing to experience sun, adventure, and an amazing natural environment along with friendly people, then a semester or year studying at Murdoch University, Western Australia is the ideal study abroad choice. 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 will 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 eight miles down river from the city of Perth, offers everything one would expect from a vibrant cosmopolitan city. Perth has developed its own unique character where lifestyle is a high priority. Fremantle, with its Italian fishing background, is particularly famous for its al fresco street life and café culture, where sipping a latté and watching the world pass by are favorite activities of the locals.

— Paul Hollick, Resident Director

Staff Bios

Paul Hollick, Resident Director, 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 has given him 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’s B.S.c degree in Environmental Science from Edith Cowan University is just one part of his life-long commitment to the environment and all things green. His other interests include football, rugby, camping, water sports, and all outdoor recreation.

Recommended Credit

semester: 15-16 semester/22.5-24 quarter hours
academic or calendar year: 30-31 semester/45-46.5 quarter hours

Eligibility Requirements

  • Overall GPA 2.75

Program Dates

Fall 20097/25/2009 - 11/28/2009
Academic Year 2009-107/25/2009 - 6/12/2010
Spring 20102/4/2010 - 6/12/2010
Calendar Year 20102/4/2010 - 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
late July - early December
Academic Year 2009-1050 weeks
late July - mid-June
Spring 201019 weeks
early February - mid-June
Calendar Year 201040 weeks
early 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 $14,600
    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure 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)$11,715
    Medical Insurance*$235
    Housing$2,650
    Total$14,600

    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure 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)$2,000
    Personal Expenses$3,200
    Visa Fees$450
    Local Transportation$120
    Meals$1,100
    Books and Supplies**$320
    Total$7,190

    **This includes internet fees


  • Academic Year 2009-10 $26,300
    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure 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.

    Medical Insurance*$395
    Housing$5,300
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$20,605
    Total$26,300

    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure 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.

    Visa Fees$450
    Books and Supplies***$640
    Meals$2,200
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. West Coast departure)$2,000
    Local Transportation$240
    Personal Expenses**$6,400
    Total$11,930

    **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 $14,700
    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure 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)$12,055
    Housing $2,410
    Medical Insurance*$235
    Total$14,700

    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure 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)$1,750
    Meals$1,100
    Books and Supplies**$320
    Visa Fees$450
    Local Transportation$120
    Personal Expenses$3,200
    Total$6,940

    **This includes internet fees


  • Calendar Year 2010 $28,000
    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure 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)$22,785
    Housing$4,820
    Medical Insurance*$395
    Total$28,000

    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure 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)$1,750
    Meals$2,200
    Local Transportation$240
    Books and Supplies***$640
    Visa Fees$450
    Personal Expenses**$6,400
    Total$11,680

    **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.