 The Duke University Office of Study Abroad and the Department of Biology will offer a six-week, two course program focusing on the biogeography and culture of Australia. Based at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, the program travels to the Northern Territory, inland to Alice Springs, to the university's teaching facility on Lady Elliott Island on the Great Barrier Reef, and concludes in the tropical rain forest of northern Queensland. Program director and biology course instructor is Dr. Paul Manos, Professor in the Duke Department of Biology.
 The courses will be taught on the modern, urban campus of UNSW, located in Kensington, a suburb of Sydney. UNSW boasts first-rate academic facilities, with extensive recreational and sporting facilities just 20 minutes by bus from central Sydney. The capital of the state of New South Wales, Sydney, the largest and oldest city in Australia, is very cosmopolitan and offers a wide variety of cultural activities and entertainment. Situated on the southeast coast, Sydney's harbor, with its famous bridge and opera house, is one of the largest in the world. During the program dates, the mild climate has winter temperatures normally ranging from the 50's to the 60's in Fahrenheit.
Australia has truly spectacular flora and fauna. Majestic landscapes from desert to rainforest and coral reef form a spectacular backdrop for a fascinating ecology study. Continental drift, long isolation, and the diversity of climates have contributed to the uniqueness of Australian natural history.
COURSES & CREDIT
The course offerings below are subject to change based on availability at UNSW. Check in with the Office of Study Abroad this fall to confirm.
 BIOLOGY 101 - 01/ EOS 168/ ENVIRON 168 Biogeography in an Australian Context NS, STS The course starts in Darwin, where the group will camp in the wilds of the Northern Territory; then travels to Sydney via Alice Springs and Uluru (Ayers Rock) to study the geophysics, geology, climate, and evolutionary history of this unique area. The course will conclude with fieldwork on Lady Elliott Island in the Barrier Reef and the Queensland rainforest. No prior course work in these areas is assumed or required. Taught by Dr. Paul Manos.
Participants must register for BIOLOGY 101 and one other course from those listed below.No pass/fail option or auditing is permitted.
HISTORY 100K - 02/ CULANTH 100/ ICS Special Topics: Australian Sport: History, Culture & Sociological Perspectives CCI, CZ Australia's presence on the global stage has long been enhanced by its sporting prowess, regardless of the contribution of Australian men and women to the fields of science, medicine or the arts. Most of Australia 's international neighbors recognize the country's cricket, rugby or swimming successes. This phenomenon is not only evident internationally. Modern Australians are more apt to discuss sporting achievements than almost any other subject - be it the outdoor environment, multiculturalism or the 'convict underdog' roots. Australians are passionate about sport. It has influenced almost every aspect of society, from modern vocabulary to business transactions. This course examines the role sport has played in influencing class structure, racism and gender issues in contemporary Australian culture. The following are some of the topic areas that will be discussed in detail:
• Historical and sociological approaches to sport and its study
• The development of culture in Australia - 1788 to the present
• The concept of sport as (Australian) culture
• The role of the media
• Politics, racism and gender issues in Australian sport
Assessment is based upon class presentations, a work diary, and a 2500-word research paper. Taught by UNSW faculty. One course credit.
HISTORY 100K - 01 Special Topics: Australian Environmental History CCI, CZ This course will look at the climatic, cultural, political and economic forces which have shaped the Australian landscape from the period before known human settlement until the present. A dynamic approach to the relationship between humans and their environment will be taken, looking not just at the impact of people on the land but also at the way in which the climate and landscape shaped human responses to the environment. This course will draw on a broad range of disciplines, including geography, history, politics, sociology and cultural studies. Taught by UNSW faculty. One course credit.
Assessment for this subject is determined through one 2000-word essay, an end of course test, seminar participation and brief excursion exercises. Taught by UNSW faculty. One course credit.
POLSCI 100Z - 27/ ICS Advanced Special Topics: A Comparative Study of Australian and US Politics CCI, SS Australia and the United States both have their origins as ‘settler societies' and both are functioning liberal democracies. What are the similarities and differences between the two political systems and the societies on which they are based? To what extent does the concept ‘liberal democracy' seek to embrace a contradiction between individual freedom and democratic collectivism? What political problems do both societies face? This course will seek to answer these questions by exploring the constitutional systems, political parties, and political culture of both countries. It will examine some of the historical forces that have helped to shape the two societies and explore the contemporary politics of class and social equity, the environment, gender, multiculturalism and indigenous rights, and war and peace.
Because of its contemporary nature, the course will be flexible in response to current political debates and events. Assessment will be by means of research assignments, seminar participation and an end-of-course test. Taught by UNSW faculty. One course credit.
EXCURSIONS
 A number of excursions are an essential part of the program. From Darwin, the group will venture to the northern outback, where they will visit St. Mary's River to see estuarine crocodiles. Waterfalls, assorted wildlife and aboriginal paintings are chief attractions of Kakadu National Park. The program then moves to the outback town of Alice Springs, with a visit to Uluru. Continuing on to Sydney, weekend excursions may include “bushwalking” in the Blue Mountains to observe plants and animals. Students will have the opportunity for instruction in recreational rappelling. After the Sydney stay, the class will spend several days on Lady Elliot Island, a 42-hectare coral cay in the southernmost part of the Great Barrier Reef. The course then concludes with a sojourn into the tropical rain forest of Cape Tribulation and a stay in Cairns.
HOUSING AND MEALS
In Darwin, accommodations will be a mix of motel (2-4 per room) and camping (2-3 per tent). While camping, all food and camping gear (except sleeping bags) will be provided; while in motels, no meals are provided. While in Sydney, students will be housed in single rooms on campus. Breakfast and lunch are included. On Lady Elliott Island, accommodations will be in 4-person bunk-style tent cabins. All meals will be provided on the island. In Cairns, only breakfast is provided. Students can be contacted through the University of New South Wales, c/o Nick Dowd, P.O. Box 1, Kensington, New South Wales 2033, AUSTRALIA; Fax: 011.61.2.9385.1265 or Tel.: 011.61.2.9385.1445.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
 Participants will travel as a group on Qantas Airlines from Los Angeles to Darwin via Sydney. Students depart from Los Angeles on June 20, and arrive in Darwin two days later (due to crossing of the international dateline). See itinerary below. Ticket cost includes internal travel within Australia during the program. For additional cost, students may stay additional days after the program ends. Given the intense nature of the program, late arrival and/or early departure is not permitted.
Program Itinerary
Start date Depart Los Angeles June 20, arrive in Darwin on
Sunday, June 22
Weeks 1 & 2 Darwin , Kakadu National Park (three days) and brief
stopover to Alice Springs to visit Uluru (Ayer's Rock)
Weeks 3 to 5 Sydney
Week 6 Lady Elliott Island and rainforest region of
northern Queensland
Last week of program: Final exam, Cairns
August 4 End date of program. Students depart Cairns to Sydney to Los Angeles
Most participants depart Los Angeles as a group, with a few exceptions. You may return on a day of your choice, no earlier than August 4th, subject to availability of flights, for a maximum stay of up to three months. Given the intense nature of this program, late arrival and/or early departure is not permitted.
Participants may also wish to travel around Australia (via “Boomerang” or “One World” passes), or stopover en route home in other cities before arrival in the U.S. Boomerang Passes and One World Passes are available for purchase for travel anywhere in Australia. Stopovers can be purchased for use during the return trip only. Please note that stopovers will only be allowed to the following Qantas Airways cities: Los Angeles, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Auckland and Nandi, Fiji. If you choose to make a stopover en route home, you cannot backtrack; i.e., you can't stop in Auckland then backtrack to Sydney in order to get to Los Angeles. You must continue to Los Angeles from Auckland. In planning any stopovers, you must be flexible due to flight availability and frequency of service.
Tickets for your domestic transportation will be issued in conjunction with your international ticket utilizing fares which are less expensive than purchasing a separate ticket. For reservations and information, contact:
Executive Accounts Department
Van Slycke and Reeside Travel
4050 Chesapeake Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20016-1860
Tel.: 1.800.321.7173, 202.362.7301 or Fax: 202.363.6636
E-mail: agents@VSRtravel.com
You may also make reservations directly through their website: http://www.vsrtravel.com. Please check the VSR Travel website for more information. Your flight choices, stopovers, and passes and any substantial deviations from the itinerary must be confirmed no later than 50 days prior to departure. VSR Travel should be posting the exact confirmation date soon.
ESTIMATED COSTS Tuition for two courses $4,704
Program fee‡ $3,089
Total due Duke University *$7,793
*Non-Duke students must add a $40 one-time transcript fee:
Total due Duke: $7,833
Estimated additional meals, to be paid in Australia: $1,200
Estimated cost of laundry, beverages, miscellaneous: $420
‡The program fee includes housing, some meals, airport transfers and excursions. Total cost does NOT include travel to and from Australia or within Australia, independent travel during or after the program, some meals, books, items of a personal nature or incidentals. Students must provide their own sleeping bags for camping. The costs are based on current exchange rates and are subject to increase.
All other expenses are to be paid by students in Australia.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Upon notification of acceptance to the summer program by the director, students can confirm their space on the program by signing the ‘Commitment to Participate' form (a parent/guardian's co-signature is also required on this form). Students can access this form from the web: http://studyabroad.duke.edu/forms/summercommitment.pdf. After signing this form, students can fax it to the Duke Office of Study Abroad at 919-684-3083 or mail it to Duke University, Office of Study Abroad, 2016 Campus Drive, Box 90057, Durham, NC 27708. Please note that by signing this form, students are committing to participate in the summer program and agree to pay the full cost of the program, which includes tuition and program fees listed above. The commitment form takes the place of a deposit.
IMPORTANT DUE DATES The required 'Commitment to Participate' form (signed by student and parent/guardian) is due within three (3) weeks of notification of acceptance from the faculty director.
Full program charges, payable to Duke University ($7,793 for Duke students, $7,833 for non-Duke students, which includes the $40 lifetime transcript fee), and billed by the Duke Bursar's office, will be due on the date specified on the bursar's bill.
Summer invoices will be sent to your permanent home address. Remit payment to the Bursar per due date and address indicated on your statement. All financial arrangements involving Duke University must be completed prior to departure for the program.
FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS
Duke undergraduates who receive need-based financial aid during the academic year are eligible to apply for financial aid for up to two Duke summer study abroad programs (and/or summer sessions in Durham) offering either one or two courses of credit. This aid is offered in addition to the eight basic academic year semesters of financial aid. Eligibility for aid will be determined in the same manner as academic year aid. Note: This policy does not apply to a summer abroad program taken prior to matriculation or after graduation from Duke. Applications are available on-line at http://studyabroad.duke.edu/forms/summerfinaid.pdf and must be submitted to the Office of Study Abroad no later than Wednesday, February 6, 2008.
Duke undergraduates currently receiving financial aid may apply for the Stephenson Pope Babcock Scholarship, which may be used for Duke-administered non-language summer programs only. Preference will be given to those students wishing to attend Duke's summer Australia, Latin America, or Caribbean programs. After the parental contribution, the Babcock Scholarship will replace the loan portion of the summer financial aid package. Seniors graduating in December 2007 or May 2008 are not eligible, nor are students who have previously received Babcock awards. Scholarship applications are available on-line at http://studyabroad.duke.edu/forms/babcockapp.pdf and must be submitted to the Office of Study Abroad no later than Wednesday, February 6, 2008. Incomplete scholarship applications will not be considered.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Summer program and scholarship applications as well as financial aid information will be accepted on a rolling admissions basis with a final deadline of Wednesday, February 6, 2008.
To apply, please follow the steps below:
- Complete the on-line application at http://studyabroad.duke.edu/forms.html.
- Submit a completed summer ‘Authorization and Consent' form.
- Official transcript(s) from all colleges and universities attended (First year students should wait for fall semester grades to be posted).
- Submit a personal statement about why you would like to participate in the program (may be submitted via the on-line application).
- Submit a faculty letter of recommendation (suggested form).
Non-Duke students may apply, but must be in good academic standing at their college or university. In order to transfer credit for the above courses, they must consult their advisor and/or registrar. Applications received after Wednesday, February 6, 2008 will be processed on a space-available basis.
Incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the program director for consideration.
All participants must have a valid passport. For instructions on how to order a passport, please visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/index.html.
An International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is also required. Duke students may purchase this card for $22 from the Student Service Center, 101 Allen Bldg. Provide a small, ID-sized photo, payment and application; the card will be created at the center. Non-Duke students can purchase ISICs at their home university or through STA Travel: http://www.statravel.com.
After confirmation of enrollment, all students must provide their ISIC number and expiration date to the Office of Study Abroad prior to departure for the program.
VISA INFORMATION The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) has replaced tourist visas and short-term business visas for many people, including U.S. citizens entering Australia for up to three months. An ETA is required for U.S. citizens and may be obtained when you book  your travel through the program's travel agent, Van Slycke and Reeside Travel. There is no other application form, and no need to send your passport to an Australian visa office. There will be no visa label put in your passport, and the Australian government does not charge for a tourist ETA. If you are not a U.S. citizen, or if you wish to extend your stay in Australia to over three months, please contact the Embassy of Australia to see if any visa restrictions apply: Embassy address: 1601 Massachusetts Ave, NW Washington, DC 20036 - Telephone: (202) 797-3000; Fax: (202) 797-3168 web: http://www.austemb.org/
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For further information, contact the Office of Study Abroad or:
Dr. Paul Manos (pmanos@duke.edu)
Department of Biology
330 Biological Sciences Bldg., Box 90338
Durham, NC 27708-0338
Tel.: 919-660-7358, Fax: 919-660-7293
Duke University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation or preference, gender or age in the administration of educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid, employment, or any other university program or activity.
DUKE UNIVERSITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCEL THIS PROGRAM. SHOULD IT DO SO, REFUNDS WILL BE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REFUND POLICY OUTLINED IN THE STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM SUMMER STATEMENT OF AUTHORIZATION AND CONSENT.
For general information on Duke's policies on student withdrawal, please refer to the OSA website: http://studyabroad.duke.edu/summer/summerwithdrawal.html
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Last updated: 06 February 2008
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