Program Overview
Avoid the start of Winter in the U.S. and enjoy a few weeks of summer in Australia on this study abroad program that explores human/cultural and environment relations from a sustainable development perspective. Sustainability is a defining global issue and, over the past several decades, Australia has made critical advances in green politics, economics and lifestyle behaviors, as well as in indigenous relations and in recognising the nation as a multi-cultural society, to become one of the most progressive countries in the world. We focus on four distinctly different communities: Marine life of the Great Barrier Reef, Aboriginal culture in the Outback, eco-tourism development of the Sunshine Coast, and the urban metropolises of Sydney and Brisbane.
We travel first to Sydney and examine urban issues in a city often touted as the number one place to live in the world. By staying in the Rocks (an historic area of early European colonisation and immediately adjacent to the Opera House, Circular Quay, and the Harbor Bridge), we experience first-hand the politics of sustainable planning in Sydney. After a short flight to Brisbane, we then travel by coach to the Outback and a region of the country with cultural and natural evidence of the world’s longest living continual human habitation, the Aborigines. Afterwards, we travel to Noosa on the Sunshine Coast to explore sustainable tourism from a coastal community perspective. We then take a short flight to Lady Elliot Island (a small eco-resort in the Great Barrier Reef) for several days to study biodiversity of the marine environment. We complete the program with a few days in Brisbane before returning to the States in time for the start of the Spring semester.
One of the unique features of the program is the activities and hands-on opportunities we have along the way: Snorkel (and/or dive) the Great Barrier Reef, experience Aboriginal bush life where we discover Australia’s unique marsupial fauna (including koalas and kangaroos), hike tropical rain forests, experience some of the world’s best surfing beaches, and explore city environments of Brisbane and Sydney. An integrated perspective allows us to draw upon multiple disciplines to address how we manage and sustain the diverse environments (on which we are all dependent) in a rapidly changing and global world.
The program is open to all students from UGA and from other institutions and no prior knowledge is assumed.
Program Itinerary
Click on the link below to learn more about the program itinerary
Winter Break Australia
Credits
People, Planet and Profit FANR(ANTH/ECOL/GEOG/INTL 4271/6271) 6 credits (FANR 4271W is available as a substitute 3-credit course and meets Writing Certificate requirements. Contact Discover Abroad for more information.) There are no course prerequisites.
* 4271/6271 is cross-listed with ANTH (Anthropology), ECOL (Ecology), FANR (Forestry and Natural Resources), GEOG (Geography), and INTL (International Affairs). (Note: INTL 4271H replaces INTL6271.) Please contact your advisor to see which of our cross-listed courses will best fit into your schedule. The 4000 level courses are for undergraduate students and 6000 level courses are for graduates and honors students. Some post-program assignments (due during Spring Semester) are required.
Costs
Program cost includes all accommodations, field excursions, cultural events, ground transportation, and approximately 75% of meals. Tuition (HOPE applies and out-of-state or non-UGA students pay in-state tuition) and airfare are additional. We also strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance for airline tickets.
For UGA students (in-state and out-of-state) tuition for this program is included as part of Spring Semester (and tuition costs are the same regardless of whether you register for 7 or more credits in Spring; however, registering for more than 17 credits requires approval from your academic dean). Out-of-state students will receive an out-of-state tuition waiver (i.e. tuition for participation will be charged at the in-state level) if they are registered only for study abroad courses. Contact Discover Abroad for more information.
Download the Estimated Costs for a more detailed breakdown.
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Testimonials
“I tell everyone I meet that my favorite classes at UGA were the ones offered by Discover Abroad. This program will give you the chance to learn and experience the unique ways that people live their lives and to be part of that can be a transforming life experience. I learned so much from the faculty on this trip and it has truly affected the way I live my life. Couldn’t recommend enough!”
Navdeep Singh (Winter Break, 2019)
“I will never forget my experience in Australia. Not only did we visit some incredible locations and witness incredible sights and sounds, but I made friendships that will last a lifetime.”
Matthew John Beringer (Winter Break, 2017)
“This trip was beyond all of my expectations and was the best Christmas present I’ve ever gotten! I loved each and every activity and place!”
Frances Warthen Hamilton (Winter Break, 2017)
“By far the best experience I have had during my 4 years at UGA, and there are many great ones to choose from.”
Kevin Thomas Victory (Winter Break, 2017)
“I stepped off the plane in Sydney thinking I would just learn about solar panels or recycling, and here I am now, truly inspired and excited to take part in our community’s strides toward progress.”
Winter Break 2019 Participant
“The best three and a half week whirlwind trip of my life. These were once in a lifetime experiences I got to share with strangers that very quickly turned into forever friends.”
Winter Break 2019 Participant
“Experience of a lifetime. The memories I made, the places I went, and the friends I made far outweigh the costs of this trip.”
Winter Break 2017 Participant