World Learning's Australia: Sustainability and the Environment program focuses on sustainability efforts in diverse environments of Australia- in particular: New South Wales and Byron Bay.

Students will earn 16 credits by taking part in the following program: a one week orientation; a two-week homestay period in Lismore or nearby rural locations; local field trips and lectures based around Byron Bay; three extensive field trips to Tasmania, Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales; and a five-week period when students focus on their Independent Study Projects (ISPs).

Students will start the program by taking a Sustainability and Environment Seminar. Lectures will cover: the Natural Environment, Philosophy and Ethics, Aboriginal Relationships, as well as case studies in sustainable agriculture; energy production and use; coastal management; sustainable forestry; sustainable tourism; nature conservation.

Students will take a series of field trips around northern New south Wales visits World heritage sites, subtropical rainforests, coastal areas, organic farms, permaculture education centers, alternative energy companies, waste disposal sites, and sustainably designed houses and residential developments.

Students will also conduct a five week Independent Study Project in or around New South Wales on such topics as the effect of dolphin feeding on environmental perceptions of tourists; permaculture as an alternative to traditional agriculture; ethics of scientific research on Aboriginal land; Aboriginal environmental values in school curricula; effect of human disturbance on endangered fauna; sustainable housing; influence of environmental policies on local governments; public consultation process for marine parks.

Students will also go on longer term, educational excursions to Tasmania, Melbourne, Cooloola island, and to Aboriginal lands.

Subjects:

Biology (General), Ecology, Environmental Sci. (Atmosph.), Environmental Studies, Research Study, Student Trips (non-credit), Sustainable Development, Tropical Biology, Zoology & Wildlife Sciences

The deadline for applying for the fall semester is: May 15. Students may apply starting January 15.

The deadline for applying for the Spring semester is November 1. Students may apply starting April 15.

SIT Study Abroad has a modified rolling admissions policy--in other words, qualified students are accepted as they apply. This means that it is important to apply early. To consider you for admission, SIT Study Abroad must receive all pieces of your application, including the online application, two academic references, and other forms to mail or fax.

You're encouraged to apply online, a process that takes 1-2 hours. (Your profile will be saved, so you won't need to do it all at once if you don't want to.) You will need to print certain documents, so please be sure you have access to a printer. When your online application is complete and ready to submit, you will be required to pay a $50 non-refundable application fee (Visa or Mastercard only).
Necessary forms (such as reference forms) are available for download here (http://www.sit.edu/studyabroad/629.htm).

World Learning in Australia is open to students from any college or university.

Tuition for a semester: approximately $14,530.
Room and board for a semester: approximately $3,926.
R/T airfare from U.S. to program site approximately $1,595.
Total fee billed: $20,051.

Other expenses you can expect to incur include books and supplies, personal expenses and local transportation, which total roughly $2,195.

The following table displays the breakdown of costs that are provided in each term:

Term	Included In Cost	Not Included
(spring)		airfare books cell phone course materials excursions housing: home stay housing: residence hall housing: shared apartment housing: studio International Student Identity Card laundry local transportation pass meals medical insurance tuition visa services
(fall)		airfare books cell phone course materials excursions housing: home stay housing: residence hall housing: shared apartment housing: studio International Student Identity Card laundry local transportation pass meals medical insurance tuition visa services

SIT Study Abroad students will live in a two-week homestay with a family in Lismore or a nearby rural location in northern New South Wales. The homestays provide students with insights into Australian culture and allow them to establish ties in the community.

Other accommodations during the program include apartments, hostels, lodges, and campsites.

Contact Name: World Learning in Australia

Contact Email: studyabroad@sit.edu

Contact FAX: (802) 258-3296

Contact Phone: (888) 272-7881