Duke in Australia
A 4-WEEK SUMMER PROGRAM IN AUSTRALIAN BIOGEOGRAPHY & CULTURE
AUSTRALIA: EVOLUTIONARY FORGE AND CONSERVATOR
Apply NowAs an ancient world, Australia’s geological record goes back to the very dawn of time, harboring evidence of the oldest crust on Earth, the origin of life itself, and the very first animal communities.The island continent of Australia has been in “splendid isolation” from the rest of the world for at least 50 million years, running its own unique evolutionary experiment for much of that time. Human memories also run deep in the Land Down Under. The Australian Aboriginal Peoples arguably represent the longest continuous human society on planet Earth, going back at least 65,000 years. Due to this unique geological, biological, and human history, Australia preserves one of the most unique ecosystems and diversity of plants and animals on Earth.
Australia is an ideal place to develop an understanding of why fauna and flora around the world are different from place to place and, on the other hand, why plants or animals separated by great distances may be closely related. Through successive field observations of the ecology and biodiversity of different Australian habitats, you'll travel to the deserts of the Northern Territory, the coastal ranges of New South Wales, the high elevation forests of the Blue Mountains, and the rainforests and Great Barrier Reef of Queensland. Majestic landscapes of beaches, deserts, rainforests, and reefs form a spectacular backdrop for this immersive course experience. Majestic landscapes of beaches, mangroves, rainforests, and deserts provide a spectacular backdrop for this immersive course experience.
PROGRAM FAST FACTS
Location: Darwin (NT), Katoomba (NSW), Sydney (NSW), Cape Tribulation (QLD), Yungaburra (QLD), Cairns (QLD)
Term: Summer II
Dates: July 3, 2024 - August 2, 2024
Application Deadline: February 1st. Rolling admission
Academic Theme(s): Biology, Earth & Climate Sciences, Environmental Science, Cultural Anthropology
Credit Type: Duke Credit
Eligibility: Open to all majors. No prerequisite. Non-Duke students are welcome to apply.
Duke Affiliation: Duke Department of Biology
Housing: Hostel, Backpacker Accommodations, Motels, Tent Camping
Primary Contact: Alex Glass
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Field studies are supplemented with readings, videos, and class discussions.
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Snorkeling near Cairns, Queensland
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Sunset at Kakadu National Park, Australia's largest national park
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Duke in Australia students
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Duke in Australia students
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Sydney Opera House
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Field studies on Duke in Australia
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Picnic lunch break on Duke in Australia
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Gaining firsthand knowledge of Australian biodiversity!
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Snorkeling on Duke in Australia
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Sunset after a long day exploring the outback of the Northern Territory
ACADEMICS
All students will enroll in the signature course offering one Duke credit. No pass/fail option or auditing is permitted.
- COURSE
- MORE INFO
COURSE
BIOLOGY 288A / EOS 288A / ENVIRON 288A
Biogeography in an Australian Context
(NS, STS) 1.0 Course Credit.
Instructors: Dr. Alexander Glass
Prerequisite: None. No prior course work in these areas is assumed or required.
Course work consists of field studies supplemented with readings, videos, and class discussions. You’ll gain firsthand knowledge of Australian biodiversity and an understanding of the basic issues of basic issues of evolution, functional morphology, biogeography, ecology, evolution, geology, and conservation biology.
The course introduces students to the ecology of the seasonally dry tropics of the Northern Territory, the cool and warm temperate climates of New South Wales, the dry desert of the central Outback, and the high and low elevation wet tropics and Great Barrier Reef of Queensland. You will learn common representative species of plants and animals in each of these environments, as determined by the interaction of geology, climate, evolutionary history, and culture. Special emphasis will be placed on the interaction between the Australian ecology and the Aboriginal Peoples.
MORE INFO
From the Faculty Director
A detailed course website is maintained by the program's faculty director and updated each year: Duke in Australia 2024
Course Content
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Much of this program will take place in the field, so program activities will be largely outdoors. Before applying to this program, you should assess and determine if you are physically or emotionally able to participate in program activities, including: in a dry desert, cold and hot tropical rainforest, and high altitudes where participants will spend significant time walking, hiking on uneven ground (including hill slopes). In addition, participants should consider the following activities/conditions:
- Hikes and walks in high wind, heavy rain, and even snow
- Hikes at night with flashlights
- Exposure to mosquitoes and other biting insects
- Swimming, which is highly recommended if you want to participate fully in some of the program’s aquatic surveys, is not required
- At least five nights of camping
- Entry into a cave, which includes descending a steep 30-foot stairway and some narrow, low-ceiling passageways
- The possibility of warm/hot temperatures while residing in locations without air conditioning
If you have questions or concerns about this program’s activities, please contact the Office of Global Health and Safety (oghs@duke.edu).
HOUSING & MEALS
In Sydney, Katoomba, Darwin, Yungaburra, and Cairns you will stay in hostel-style accommodations, usually 4-8 people per room. Continental breakfast provided. In Kakadu National Park, you will stay in tents. All meals are provided while overnight camping.
At Cape Tribulation you will be staying in bunkhouse accommodations in the rainforest, usually 6-10 people per room. All meals in Cape Tribulation are included.
Cairns to the list above with hostel-style accommodations. Breakfasts are included.
DATES
Attendance is required at all classes, excursions, and group events. Given the intense nature of this program, late arrival and/or early departure is not permitted.
- U.S. Departure: July 1, 2024
- Australian Arrival: July 3, 2024
- Departure: August 2, 2024
Flights
Students are required to take the designated international round-trip flight organized through our travel agency. Do not book your own flights. We will depart the U.S. as a group from LOS ANGELES, CA (LAX) one day prior to the program start date, and we will return through LAX. The travel agency will help you with arrange connecting flights to LAX. Additional details on the group flights will be provided to enrolled students in the spring.
Tickets for the required domestic group flights within Australia will be issued in conjunction with your international ticket.
ESTIMATED COSTS
Costs below are estimates based on previous years’ programs and the current exchange rate. All costs are subject to change.
Summer 2024
| Duke Students | Non-Duke Students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $2,840 | $2,840 |
| Program Fee | $5,200 | $5,200 |
| Transcript Fee | N/A | $120 |
| Other Costs | Other Costs | Other Costs |
| TOTAL (Estimated) | $13,385 | $13,505 |
Explanation of Costs
The program fee for this program includes:
- Accommodations
- Some meals
- Airport transportation to/from site
- Local transportation
- International SOS Coverage
- Program-sponsored activities and excursions
- Orientation program
- Internet usage where available
What is not included?
Use the following list to assist with budgeting for expenses outside the program fee. This list contains common examples but should not be considered exhaustive.
- Airfare
- On-site accident and health insurance policy
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Immunizations
- Extracurricular activities
- Visa and/or residency permit
- Passport
- Textbooks and class materials
- Cell phone (required)
- Laundry
- Independent travel and entertainment
- Items of a personal nature
- Incidentals
Personal Spending
Personal expenses can fluctuate greatly depending upon habits and preferences of the individual. It’s also wise to budget for unexpected expenses such as medical emergencies. You can use a cost-of-living comparison tool to get an idea of what daily life costs in the program host location.
If you are a U.S. citizen, your visa for Australia will be arranged by the program, and the visa fee will be billed as part of your airfare. Refer to airfare estimates shown in the 'Other Costs' link above.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you are responsible for obtaining a visa for Australia on your own. Costs will vary; be sure to research the cost and process well in advance of the program start date. Some students may need to travel to a consulate or embassy to obtain a visa. If you receive financial aid, and need assistance with travel costs, please contact your financial aid counselor.
Personal expenses depend entirely on how many extracurricular activities you will spend money on during your free time and days in Australia. It also, of course, depends on how many shirts with Koalas, mugs with silly Australianisms, cane toad wallets, and other souvenirs you wish to buy. If you are planning on doing any large-scale adventure activities on your free days, this number will also be significantly higher.
It’s also wise to budget for unexpected expenses such as medical emergencies. You can use a cost-of-living comparison tool to get an idea of what daily life costs in the program host location.
Step 1: Upon acceptance to the program, you must submit the Summer Participation Agreement found in your MyExperientialEd application to confirm your enrollment. A parent/guardian’s co-signature is required. This form takes the place of a deposit.
NOTE: If you withdraw after March 15, you will be charged a cancellation fee for voluntary withdrawal. Fees range from $2,000-3,000.
Step 2: Summer invoices will be sent via email to your Duke email address and home email address. Remit payment to the Bursar per due date and address indicated on your online statement. Consult the Duke Bursar's office billing schedule for payment due dates.
Financial Aid
Duke students receiving institutional need-based grant aid are eligible for aid for this program; work-study funds are converted to grants. Students are individually responsible for making the necessary arrangements with the Karsh Office of Undergraduate Financial Support and the Duke Bursar’s Office.
Non-Duke students are not eligible to receive financial aid at Duke and should contact their home institutions for financial aid information.
Scholarships
Review summer study away scholarship opportunities for Duke students here.
VISA & PASSPORT
VISA
Visa
All students are required to have a visa for travel to Australia. You will be given instructions for this process when you receive details for securing your flights.
Non-U.S. citizens—Pay special attention to the visa requirements for your specific citizenship by contacting your country’s embassy. GEO can provide a letter that may be required as part of the visa application process. Please begin the visa process as soon as you have been admitted to the program to ensure you receive your visa in time for the program start date.
PASSPORT
Passport
All participants must have a valid passport. Make sure your passport has at least six months of validity beyond the program end date to avoid unintended disruptions. For instructions on obtaining or renewing your U.S. passport, visit passports.state.gov.
PROGRAM FACULTY & STAFF
The program faculty director can assist with questions related to program academics, admissions, on-site needs, etc. For all other inquiries, please contact the GEO representative listed.
ADMISSIONS
Deadline: February 1st
This program has rolling admission. Applications will be considered until the program fills; after that, qualified students are added to a waitlist and notified of openings. Applications must be received by the deadline to be considered. Application opens November 1.
Priority: Priority is given to applicants who apply early and perform well on the individual interview with the faculty director.
Minimum GPA: There is no minimum GPA.
Non-Duke students: Non-Duke students are welcome to apply for this program. You must be a degree-seeking student in good standing at an accredited college or university. Consult your university’s registrar and/or study away advisor for assistance with transfer credit. Students who are not matriculated at a college or university are not eligible to participate in Duke’s study away programs.
GEO policy for graduating seniors who wish to apply for a Duke summer study abroad/away program:
Students must be active, matriculated students in order to participate in any Duke-in summer programs, including Duke’s domestic summer programs. All program courses must be taken for graded credit. If seniors plan to graduate in May of the year they plan to study abroad in the summer, they will not be eligible to participate on any of our summer programs unless they receive approval from their academic dean at Duke to delay their graduation until after the summer program has ended.
Non-Duke students planning to graduate in May in the year they plan to study abroad in the summer must provide approval to delay their graduation until after the summer program has ended from the appropriate official at their home institution. Such approval must be furnished in writing to GEO before the student will be allowed to participate in the summer program. This approval may be sent via email to the appropriate program assistant at GEO.
Duke students who defer their graduation to participate in study abroad should consult with their financial aid advisor in the Duke Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid to determine whether they are eligible for a summer aid package and/or a GEO summer scholarship.
APPLY
Start your application early to ensure that it is complete by the deadline! Incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the program directors for consideration.
Submit the following items using MyExperientialEd:
- Online application
- Transcript(s) from all colleges and universities attended. First-year students should wait for fall semester grades to be posted before submitting their transcript
- Personal statement, no longer than one page, explaining why you would like to participate
- Home university approval form (non-Duke students)
- Passport copy
STUDENT STORIES
Student Field Notes
Duke in Australia students take turns posting daily field notes about the program experiences and site visits. Check out past years’ field note blogs in the links below.
Our professor and TA were absolutely amazing. Not only were they wonderful, engaging, and intelligent instructors; but they also actively worked to make this experience as safe, comfortable, and fun as possible for us.”
Someone who likes rigorous activity, physical exercise, personable/funny professors, and constant activities would love this course.”
This was immersive learning in every sense of the word. We had classes on the beach, up a mountain, in mangrove swamps, on a cliff, at night on rainforest walks...whatever we learned about, we were right there, totally enveloped in it ourselves.”
GEO ADVISING IS HERE FOR YOU
Get advice on choosing a program, exploring courses and credits, and covering the costs of study away when you engage the Global Education Office's advising network.