Program Details

Explore the tropical rainforests of North Queensland, Australia. Study rainforest biodiversity and ecological resilience in the face of climate change and deforestation. Learn how rainforest management and conservation impacts the Great Barrier Reef.
Location:
Cairns, Australia
Program Type:
Study Abroad
Degree Level:
Undergraduate
Term:
Fall Semester, Spring Semester

Program Overview

Program Description:

Explore the tropical rainforests of North Queensland, Australia. Study rainforest biodiversity and ecological resilience in the face of climate change and deforestation. Learn about management and conservation issues and how they impact the Great Barrier Reef. Take part in community restoration ecology initiatives and explore innovative environmental policy and community conservation approaches while gaining skills in field research and data collection.

Program highlights:

  • Explore the world’s oldest rainforest – the Daintree – then work alongside community volunteers to regenerate critical rainforest habitats.
  • Travel to the Great Barrier Reef to learn about the biological links between rainforest and reef ecosystems.
  • Experience firsthand the transition from savannas on the edge of the Outback to the lush green coastal rainforests and mangroves.

Students live and study at the SFS Center for Rainforest Studies. Our Center lies at the end of a narrow, winding road, in the middle of a lush rainforest. The 153-acre property is surrounded by protected World Heritage forests, and you can see incredible wildlife from the front steps of your cabin. Nearby Yungaburra and Cairns provide the occasional return to civilization.

Cost:
22955 USD. Includes room and board, activities, in-country transportation, and courses. Does not include airfare.

Additional Program Information

Requirements:
18 years of age, one college-level biology/ecology course or equivalent, 2.8 GPA
Scholarships:
Yes
Scholarships Description:
SFS awards more than $650,000 in need-based financial aid each year. Aid packages are usually a combination of scholarships, grants, and loans. All students are eligible to apply for SFS need-based financial aid.