Fast Facts
Location:
Lismore, Australia.
Academic Calendar:
Fall: July to early November,
Spring: Mid February to mid June
*There is a summer program available at Southern Cross University
Application Deadlines:
Fall Semester: April 12
Spring Semester: November 1
Admission Requirements:
Undergraduate sophomore, junior or senior.
Overall GPA: 2.75
GPA in Major: 2.75
Credits:
12-16 credits per semester, Fall or Spring.
Additional Program Highlights:
On-site orientation and field trips.
Southern Cross University
About Southern Cross University
Southern Cross University is a highly regarded Australian Government University that is recognized throughout the world. It offers high quality academic programs in an environment that is safe, relaxed, friendly and supportive. The University is a popular destination for study abroad students who are seeking a unique experience with the opportunity to discover the true culture, environment and hospitality of Australia.
Visit SCU's website at: http://www.scu.edu.au
Visit SCU's study abroad site at: http://studyabroad.scu.edu.au
Southern Cross University is located in the city of Lismore in Northern New South Wales, in the heart of the Bundjalung nation. Lismore is a small university city of 40,000 people with all of the services of a large city but with a far more relaxed lifestyle. It is a region unsurpassed in natural beauty and has a tropical climate. The campus is in a natural migratory path for some local koala bears. The University offers students access to Australia's best beaches (Bryon Bay being a 45 minute drive away) and rainforests.
Visit the city website:
http://byron-bay.com/
http://www.liscity.nsw.gov.au/
http://www.tropicalnsw.com.au/
The Brockport Program at Southern Cross University offers you the opportunity to:
- Live and study in a city with a unique educational environment,
- Receive instruction in small classes, seminars and tutorials from members of the faculty at Southern Cross University,
- Choose (and be guaranteed - before you leave the US) the coursework you want/need from an almost limitless variety of disciplines,
- Total integration with Australian students,
- Improve your writing and research skills.
Your experience at Southern Cross University will:
- Introduce you to Australian society and the Australian educational system,
- Make you a better student,
- Expand your outlook on the world,
- Build your self esteem and self confidence,
- Enhance your career prospects tremendously.
At Southern Cross University you will:
- Live with Australian students in modern, superior [single bedroom/adjoining suite] Southern Cross University-owned accommodation,
- Experiential learning through the unique academic unit called "Outdoor Education" at the university (bushwalking, camping, rapelling and more),
- Indigenous Australian Peoples units of study is another option,
- Receive a comprehensive on-site orientation to study at Southern Cross University that will maximize the benefits of your semester/year of study,
- Have the benefit of an on-going program of field trips, excursions, and social events through Southern Cross University,
- Enjoy the security of a complete package of academic and non-academic support services.
Admission
A prospective participant should have:
- Second semester sophomore, junior or senior standing by the start of the program.
- A cumulative GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale).
- A GPA of 2.75 in an appropriate major.
- The demonstrated ability to do upper-division work in the subjects chosen.
Application Deadlines:
- For Fall Semester: 12 April
- For Spring Semester: 1 November
- For Full Academic Year: 12 April
2009 Term Dates:
| Semester | Start | End |
| Spring 2009 | Mid-February 2009 | Mid-June 2009 |
| Fall 2009 | 19 June 2009 (depart US) | 13 October 2009 (depart Australia) |
Southern Cross University operates on an academic year of two semesters.
*There is also a summer program at Southern Cross University
Housing & Orientation
Housing:
Southern Cross University is able to accommodate all study abroad students in on-campus residential accommodation. This provides you with the opportunity to live with Australian and international students and make life long friendships with them.
The accommodation is in 5-6 bedroom apartments with each student having a single bedroom and sharing kitchen, living and bathroom areas with their flat mates. Students are required to cook their own meals and no meal plans are available.
If you prefer to live off-campus in apartments or with Australian families you will be assisted to make suitable arrangements. However, you should note that it is sometimes difficult to arrange for short-term off-campus accommodation for students only staying for one semester.
Orientation:
An orientation program specifically designed for study abroad and exchange students is conducted by SCU during the week prior to the commencement of classes in both semesters. Issues covered including settling in to life in Lismore, culture shock, accommodation, health insurance, clubs and societies, email access, study skills, weekend trips, and social events.
Cost
| Fees for the Brockport Southern Cross University Program |
Spring 2010 Semester: $13,950
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
The actual amount that you will spend depends heavily on your style of living, and will vary with each individual's personal spending habits, entertainment preferences and travel choices. Financial aid applies towards fees. *Enrollment in most Science and Engineering programs at Southern Cross are at an additional extra charge. **For Visa purposes, all Australia study abroad students MUST purchase the mandatory insurance coverage (presently $175.00 per semester). ***Varies depending on the SUNY campus at which the participant pays tuition. |
Estimated budget sheet:
Southern Cross University, Spring 2010 (pdf)
Courses
Courses:
For more information on the specific courses available, please visit: http://www.scu.edu.au/admin/asu/index.html/
For the Student Handbook, please go to: http://www.scu.edu.au/handbook
Credits:
Study abroad students usually take 4 courses as a full load while attending Southern Cross University. The actual work load can vary from unit to unit and from course to course. Lectures are the basis of teaching in most classes.
Curriculum:
Participants in the Brockport Southern Cross University Program will select (prior to departure) courses available to study abroad students at Southern Cross University. All instruction in the Brockport Southern Cross University Program is by Southern Cross University faculty. Participants in the Brockport Southern Cross University Program are examined in the same manner (and to the same standard) as their Australian counterparts and classmates. The majority of courses in which they will enroll are examined formally at the end of the semester and in order to be awarded credit, participants must take--and pass--the examination at the end of the study period in question.
Outdoor Education is a unique subject to study at Southern Cross University and is based on the concept of experiential learning. It introduces students to a variety of outdoor education activities making the best possible use of a number of spectacular national parks and wilderness areas that surround the University.
There are two or three "base camps" included in the subject. A four day introductory camp in a rugged granite belt National Park called "Girraween and Bald Rock" and a three day bushwalk and navigation camp in the wilderness rainforest of Nightcap and Border Ranges National Parks. There is also an optional expedition.
You learn how to navigate, are taught basic survival skills and are then sent out in small groups on overnight bushwalks. You will quickly learn the importance of teamwork and leadership skills as you meet the many challenges of the subject.
Additional activities include a Survival Course, Wilderness First Aid Certificate and Rock Climbing/Rappelling.
Outdoor Education meets the requirements of many different disciplines and therefore may be used to gain credit in a range of areas.
If you are seeking a truly unique study abroad experience you should consider participation in the University's special Indigenous and Cultural Studies Program. This program includes extensive travel during the semester to unique and wonderful Australian places such as Fraser Island, Cairns, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Jervis Bay, Forster and the outback town of Bourke. You can access the Indigenous and Cultural Studies link at: http://www.scu.edu.au/schools.gnibi/index.php. You can also go to: http://www.scu.edu.au/courses/units.php.
Special elements of the program include:
- Leadership: a leadership program runs throughout the semester culminating in a special community project.
- Wilderness program: this involves a 5 day program on a 35,000 acre property in outback NSW including joining experienced indigenous bushmen in building traditional shelters, gathering food, shaping and painting your own didgeridoo.
- Indigenous Communities: learn of a timeless spiritualism, unique customs, art and language.
- Health and Fitness: scuba diving certification, rappelling and surfing.
The schedule of units link can be found at: http://www.scu.edu.au/admin/asu. 'L' is for Lismore availabilities and 'TH' is for the Tweed Gold Coast availabilities.
