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Spending a semester in Australia’s sun-soaked land is the perfect time to learn outdoor skills, environmental ethics,
and leadership. King Leopold Range, The Kimberley
Photo:
Jen Klewitz |
Australian semesters are expeditions of discovery in a land of great contrasts. The spring semester consists of canoeing, backpacking and cultural sections. For 75 days, you’ll travel as a group through northwestern Australia’s Kimberley region, a place so remote you’ll get there by four-wheel drive vehicle or light plane, and you won’t return to civilization until the semester ends.
The 68-day summer semester includes first-aid, backpacking, sea kayaking, and cultural sections, where you’ll explore the Kimberley and the Pilbara regions, learning how to be comfortable in both bush and marine environments.
You’ll see crocodiles, kangaroos, wallabies, and kookaburras, as well as huge termite mounds. Both semesters spend time on the coast, spotting sea turtles, reef fish, coral and other marine animals. The uniqueness of Australia’s natural surroundings makes this an ideal place for you to challenge yourself, learn, and have fun.
Backpacking
Your backpacking section will be in the Kimberley, in areas that offer everything from gorges and grasslands to billabongs (watering holes) and waterfalls. You’ll learn about the local cattle stations and how to backpack effectively in this hot, dry environment. You may also get the opportunity for a student expedition, hiking close by, yet independent of, your instructors.
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Learning Bardi crafts and culture is a highlight for NOLS Australia students. Sunday Island
Photo:
Jen Klewitz |
Culture
For a week of your semester you’ll have an opportunity to explore the Bardi Aboriginal homelands, studying marine ecology and learning Bardi crafts and traditions like boomerang and spear making, or visit another local Aboriginal community, like Jarlmadangah, learning about their traditional and contemporary lifestyles.
Canoeing (spring only)
During this five-week section, you’ll travel through the heart of the Kimberley, both by canoe and on foot. You’ll paddle and portage your boat and gear down the Drysdale River, one of the most remote rivers in the world, while you learn the intricacies of canoe travel and develop your leadership style. You’ll also take exploratory day hikes into the wilderness.
Sea Kayaking (summer only)
You’ll begin your sea kayaking adventure in the waters surrounding the Dampier Archipelago, a group of 42 rocky islands offering scrubby eucalyptus valleys and isolated coral reefs. Here you’ll have the opportunity to learn sea kayaking skills, explore the colorful marine ecosystem, and visit the most prolific Aboriginal petroglyph site in the world.
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) (summer only)
Hosted by the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS, this 16-hour section covers first aid specific to wilderness emergencies and is essential for anyone spending extended time in the outdoors.
Spring Semester
in Australia
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| Duration: |
75 days |
| Age: |
18 and Over (Average Age: 20) |
| Tuition: |
$13,950 |
| Dates: |
March 17-May 30, 2012
Canoeing, Backpacking, Cultural
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College Credit:
(Optional) |
16
Semester Credit Hours
4 Hours Biology
2 Hours Environmental Studies
2 Hours Leadership Techniques
4 Hours Skills Practicum
4 Hours Risk Management |
| Course start/end: |
Broome, Australia |
| Equipment Deposit: |
$700 |
| Fly in/out: |
Broome, Australia |
| Additional Information: |
Course Description (pdf)
Equipment List (pdf) |
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Summer Semester
in Australia
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| Duration: |
68 days |
| Age: |
18 and Over (Average Age: 20) |
| Tuition: |
$11,725 |
| Dates: |
June 8-August 14, 2012
WFA, Sea Kayaking, Backpacking |
College Credit:
(Optional) |
16
Semester Credit Hours
4 Hours Biology
2 Hours Environmental Studies
2 Hours Leadership Techniques
4 Hours Skills Practicum
4 Hours Risk Management |
| Course start/end: |
Broome, Australia |
| Equipment Deposit: |
$700 |
| Fly in/out: |
Broome, Australia |
| Additional Information: |
Course Description (pdf)
Equipment List (pdf) |
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Next Steps
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Related Courses
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Meet NOLS Semester in Australia alumnus Mike
DiDonna -- A musician and photographer from Long Island,
N. Y., Mike always felt a calling to go to Australia, and a NOLS
semester offered the perfect route to take him there.
A
Test of Leadership: Outdoor Skills Program Helps Build Bodies,
Confidence, and Courage by Matt Mullins. Wisconsin State
Journal, November 22, 2000.
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