International partner programs

HWS and Union College Partnership for Global Education

Integrating field and lecture components, this program focuses on the marine and terrestrial ecology of the Australian state of Queensland, as well as Australian culture.

Two directors from Hobart and William Smith Colleges (HWS) and Union College accompany the students to UQ and teach one of the program’s courses.

The program features field trips to several national parks, as well as UQ’s world-renowned Moreton Bay Research Station on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and Heron Island Research Station on the Great Barrier Reef.

For more information visit: HWS Global Education

Stanford University Bing Overseas Studies Program: Australia

Established in 2003, Stanford’s Australia program remains one of its most popular study abroad options.

Comprising courses on terrestrial and marine science, and Australian studies, the program visits a variety of destinations, including capital cities, remote Far North Queensland, as well as UQ’s world-renowned Moreton Bay Research Station on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and Heron Island Research Station on the Great Barrier Reef.

Students experience ecosystems first hand with lecture delivery alongside the physical experience.

A substantial research component also enables them to conduct original research in the field under the supervision of experts.

Participants develop skills through group labs, oral presentations, role play and scientific writing.

For more information visit: Stanford University Bing Overseas Studies Program

University of California Education Abroad Programs

Established in 2000, this long-running program comprises courses in marine biology, terrestrial ecology and Australian studies. 

Marine Biology & Terrestrial Ecology Program

The marine biology component features lectures, laboratory work and intensive research-focused studies, and includes field trips to UQ’s world-renowned Moreton Bay Research Station on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and Heron Island Research Station on the Great Barrier Reef.

The terrestrial ecology component explores Australia’s unique flora, fauna and ecosystems, with hands-on learning in field locations ranging from the outback to rainforests.

Pacific Island Environmental & Community Health: Australia & Solomon Islands Program

This program provides students with research skills and experience across a range of diverse and fragile ecosystems.

Participants explore urban and rural development, and their impacts on public health, while engaging with local students and members of remote communities.

After 6 weeks at UQ, the students complete the remainder of their semester abroad at the Solomon Islands National University.

For more information visit: UC Education Abroad: Study Abroad in Australia

Students in our international partner programs (IPP) experience the rich biodiversity of a range of environments and ecosystems during field trips.

Depending on the IPP, these terrestrial and marine trips may include:

• Carnarvon Gorge National Park
• Fraser Island (K'gari)
• Girraween National Park
• Heron Island
• Lamington National Park
• Noosa
• North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)
• Sydney (Gadigal).

Find out more about field experience locations

"An amazing experience from beginning to end. It was really nice to break up normal classroom learning with field trips where you could expand on and apply your knowledge of ecology and marine biology. Understanding how to think like an ecologist and learning how to think independently to design a research experiment and receive thorough guidance for writing research papers was something I'll definitely take away from this program."
Jennifer Burks, The University of California

"This program was a trip of a lifetime. It was the perfect mix of learning, exploring and experiencing the terrestrial and marine sides of Australia. The teaching staff is amazing. Brisbane was a great location and homestays really integrated you into the Australian culture. I don't think I could've had a better experience abroad."
Kaylynn Conant, The University of California

"This program was absolutely amazing, and something I'll remember for the rest of my life. The international programs team were more than willing to help make this time as good as possible. I'm amazed at all the work they do. I'll likely keep in contact with the people I met here for years to come. Who knows, maybe I'll even get to come back and research with some of them."
Dylan H. Sarish, The University of California

"This program was truly an incredible experience, and I'd recommend it to anyone. I had the opportunity to interact with the best professors I've ever had, and I learned an incredible amount in 12 weeks that has helped prepare me for a career in science. I saw wonderful things that I'll never forget during our time in the field and met some amazing people that I hope to stay in touch with for the rest of my life."
Markus Min, The University of California

"This program was the best experience of my life, and I feel that I've grown intellectually and in terms of my maturity because of it. The professors were excellent educators and enjoyable people."
Lauren Elder, HWS and Union College

"I thought the program was great - it encompassed everything I could've hoped to learn about the ecology of Australia. The excursions were well planned, and the travel coordination was amazing. There was great communication between the professors, students and International Programs staff about class locations and changes in the schedule. I couldn't have hoped to learn more and experience so much from an abroad program."
Jack Mainella, HWS and Union College

"An incredible experience. I met so many nice people. I've never seen anything cooler than the Great Barrier Reef, and I consider myself lucky to have seen it. Overall, I grew as a person and expanded my mind and comfort zone. Australia made me want to travel more in the future."
Tommy Gagliardi, HWS and Union College