Study Abroad in Australia: Human Dimensions of Sustainability
May 29 – June 22, 2010 (6 credits)
Australia has a beautiful and arid landscape, and unique plants and animals that defied the comprehension of early European observers. But Australian Aborigines, representing the longest continuous cultural tradition in the world, adapted to the unique conditions across Australia over some 40–60,000 years, developing technologies, religion and lifeways completely tied to the land. Two hundred years of colonization and more recent processes of urbanization and globalization have brought massive environmental, social and political changes to the continent with critical implications for its future sustainability. Developed as a collaboration between ASU's School of Human Evolution and Social Change and School of Sustainability, this transdisciplinary program draws on a very wide range of fields (such as anthropology, geography, archaeology, political science, ecology, biology, recreation management, sustainability, urban studies and agriculture) to explore human dimensions of sustainability—past, present and future. 
This 6-credit-hour traveling program is based in eastern Australia, and we spend 23 days exploring the cities, coasts and the outback of this remarkable country. We explore the tropical climes of Cairns, Brisbane and Queensland, visiting the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, rainforests, the stunning and stark outback and fabulous coastal reefs. Our program ends in the wonderful city of Sydney. We spend most of our time in experiential activities out of the classroom, exploring case studies in this fascinating country first-hand. The schedule is designed also to support additional optional adventures on free days. Senior ASU faculty direct the program and accompany the group.
An easy stopover between Australia and the U.S., Fiji offers additional learning opportunities, as participants also have the option of an 8-day Fiji extension of the program (required for global health majors using Australia to fulfill their study abroad).
The program is suitable for undergraduate students at any level, as no specific background in any of these fields is assumed. Courses fulfill General Studies and Science and Society requirements, and prerequisites are usually waived. Graduate students also can be accommodated with graduate course credit. Planned course options include:
- SOS 320 Society & Sustainability (3)
Fulfills General Studies SB
- ASB 410/SSH 400/WST 410 Poverty, Social Justice & Global Health (3)
Fulfills CLAS Science & Society; also fulfills General
Studies (L or SB) & G
- ASB 443/SSH 403 Cross-Cultural Studies in Global Health (3)
Fulfills CLAS Science & Society; also fulfills General Studies SB & G
- ASM 414/SSH 414/SOS 414 Urban and Environmental Health (3)
Fulfills CLAS Science & Society; also fulfills General Studies SB
The estimated program fee for 2010 for the Australia program is $3,495, and covers all accommodation, excursions, cultural events, activities, program-related ground transportation and some group meals. Tuition (6 credit hours at normal ASU rates), international airfare (approximately $1,300), incidentals and remaining meals are additional.
The estimated additional program fee for the Fiji option is $1,295 (covering in-country transport, activities and most meals), plus $150 additional for the flight. Tuition (3 credit hours) is also additional.
Call for applications opens in October and closes in early March. Places in the program are awarded in the order of application, so early application is always advised to be sure of securing a space.
For more information, e-mail or call the School of Human Evolution and Social Change's study abroad program assistant at (480) 965-1366.
