SEARCH
International student holding flag

Australia: Full Description

Exchange Programs | Australia: Overview | Australia: Full Description
Australia: Student Testimonials

A Semester or Year Program Nazareth College of Rochester, NY together with the Australian Catholic University:


General Program Description

The Australian university system has a strong reputation for quality degrees which are professionally recognized world-wide. Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers a unique blend of academic quality, concern for the welfare of individual students, and a choice of campuses in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Ballarat. Australian Catholic University is a public university, open to all and funded by the Australian government as a member of the Unified National System of Higher Education. Nazareth College has a formal Exchange Agreement with the University, which has almost 10, 000 students, including international students from 35 countries. Students matriculated at Nazareth College and visiting students are welcome to apply to the program.

While founded on a religious charter, the University welcomes students of all beliefs. Students attend ACU at seven campuses that are small enough to allow for a close working relationship between students and faculty, and the class sizes enable academic staff to give individual attention to students. The multi-campus layout of the University is linked by Distance Learning Technology, so that students have access to other campuses and to the expertise and resources available in the combined libraries. Students can even study at more than one campus.

Australian Catholic University has long recognized the importance of Australia's setting in the world at large. Many of its courses reflect an international focus, and it runs successful off-shore programs in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Pakistan, Singapore, and South Africa. The University already has agreements with institutions in France, Italy, Indonesia, Japan, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Canada.

Nazareth Students and students from other colleges and universities may apply through the Nazareth College Center for International Education to study at one of the ACU campuses. Academic credit is awarded through Nazareth College.

 

Eligibility

Applicants will be advised in the "Letter of Offer" which units they have been accepted into.

Back to Top >

Course Information

A student may undertake Exchange Programs at Australian Catholic University in one of the following three ways:

  1. Scheduled units (subjects) taken from those available for study by Australian students. Each unit lasts one semester - (12 weeks). Four units per semester is a normal full-time load for an undergraduate student, and Exchange students may take up to this amount. All international students (including Exchange) must enroll in at least 3 units in order to meet student visa requirements. A full load at ACU for Nazareth Exchange students will regularly count 15 semester credits; division of credits will be decided in advance of the program through academic advisement and course approval.

    The areas which usually appeal to Exchange students are:

    • Aboriginal Studies
    • Asian Studies
    • Australian Studies (specific courses include art, culture, drama, fauna, history, literature, music, politics, religion, sociology)
    • Environmental Science
    • Visual and Performing Arts.

    Please note that some units may require pre-requisites. Also note that not all units are available in each semester. Applicants will be advised in the "Letter of Offer" which units they have been accepted into.

    Exchange students may undertake any other units that are also available to local students (if approved by their academic supervisors), provided pre-requisites are met. As there are too many to provide descriptions here. The main study areas available are:

    Aboriginal Education
    Accounting
    Asian Studies
    Australian Studies
    Behavioural Science
    Business
    Computing
    Drama
    Economics
    English
    Environmental Science
    Education
    Exercise Science
    Family Studies
    Finance
    Geography
    Habilitation
    History     		Information Systems
    Italian
    Japanese
    Literature/Drama
    Media
    Music
    Nursing
    Pastoral Studies
    Philosophy
    Psychology
    Religion Studies
    Science Studies
    Social Work
    Sociology
    Sports Coaching
    Sports Science
    Theology
    Visual Arts

  2. Summer/Winter Schools - special programs of 2-3 weeks duration, usually in the Australian semester breaks of January to February (summer) or June to July (winter). These courses may incorporate experiential and reflective learning through fieldwork as well as lectures, and workshop-style interaction. Travel and accommodation for the field trips are arranged in advance. Although only short in duration these intensive courses would attract credit for at least one unit, i.e. one quarter of a semester load. Some examples include:

    • Australian Culture and History - includes field trips to the coast, Sydney and Canberra
    • Aboriginal Studies - covering education and cross-cultural communication
    • Educational Leadership - for teachers, administrators and church officials seeking formal studies to enhance their practical experience in educational leadership roles
    • Visual and Performing Arts Packages for Primary School teachers - Drama/ Dance/ Media/ Music/Art and Design
    • Orff Music Camp - to deepen appreciation and knowledge of music and rhythm
    • Pastoral Counselling and cross-cultural Psychology
    • Visual Arts Camp - includes involvement of established Australian artists and visits to galleries
    • Trips to Australian nature reserves (e.g., Carnarvon Gorge or The Great Barrier Reef) to explore, observe and sketch Australian landscapes and aboriginal sites.

    Mixed Program Students may choose to take a mixed program of Summer or Winter schools, at the end or the beginning of undertaking a semester of scheduled units.

     

    Back to Top >

Internships

Field Experience for student teachers, psychologists, sociologists, sports trainers and sports administrators, social workers and counsellors. Field experience is often dependent on factors outside the University's control. The field experience associated with ACU programs may be credited at Nazareth as an internship, provided the Nazareth expectations for internships are met and the student's home campus academic advisory process approves the course. To obtain academic credit for field experience, the student must be in contact with the specific field work faculty at ACU to obtain information and with the Nazareth College Center for International Education (585-389-2371).

 

Semester Schedule

Australia lies below the equator, and the seasonal patterns are reversed for the calendar year. Since the Australian academic calendar does not coincide with the U.S. academic calendar, Exchange students are advised to attend during the Semester 1 calendar, which runs from February through June, and would roughly coincide with a spring semester at the home campus in the U.S. A student who intends to study for two semesters will have to take a leave of absence from the home campus during the spring semester of one academic year the the fall semester of the next year. A vacation period of one month (July, during their winter months) would separate the two semesters, during which time a student could plan to travel.

Australian seasons
Spring - September to November
Summer - December to February
Autumn - March to May
Winter - June to August

Please use the following as an approximate guide to semester times.

  • AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
    Semester 1 commences Last full week in February
    finishes Last full week in June

    Semester 2 commences 1st week in August
    finishes 3rd week in November

  • NWE SOUTH WALES
    Semester 1 commences Last full week in February
    finishes Last full week in June

    Semester 2 commences 1st week in August
    finishes 3rd week in November

  • QUEENSLAND
    Semester 1 commences 2nd full week in February
    finishes 2nd full week in June

    Semester 2 commences 3rd full week in July
    finishes Last week in November

  • VICTORIA
    Semester 1 commences 3rd week in February
    finishes Last week in June

    Semester 2 commences 3rd week in July
    finishes Last week in November


Fees and Living Costs
There are no tuition fees for Exchange Students but they are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (see page 12).

Students are expected to have sufficient funds to cover accommodation, airfares, entertainment, textbooks and incidentals.

Summer/Winter Schools programs also do not carry tuition costs for exchange students but any additional costs incurred for travel, food and accommodation relating to field trips will be charged for.

Living costs
These will vary from campus to campus (for example, larger cities are generally more expensive than smaller towns) but the following is a guide:

Back to Top >

Program Costs and Financial Aid

Nazareth Students pay the Nazareth campus costs for the Australia Exchange Program and continue to use their financial aid package and payment plan. Visiting Students to the Program will be assessed the standard Nazareth semester fees for the Program in addition to a modest administrative Fee. Fees for accomodation and food will be charged either according to the ACU dormitory and student cafeteria service costs, or according to a tuition-only basis, based on University services available at the time of study. . Students will be provided with a cost estimate for out-of-pocket expenses for the semester or year. Nazareth College does not include the cost of travel to and from the study site in its list of charges to the College for this Exchange Program.

Federally subsidized loans can be used for the purpose of study abroad through Nazareth College. In addition, all students should apply for outside scholarships and grants to supplement their support resources. Annually, numerous travel and study stipends available to U.S. students go unused. Go to "Student Scholarships for Study Abroad."

Undergraduate students matriculated at Nazareth College are eligible for all financial resources for which they would qualify if they were studying on the Nazareth College campus. Detailed information is available in the College Catalog or in the Financial Aid Office, Smyth Hall, Room 132 (tel. 585-389-2310). Visiting students are advised to consult with their home campus Financial Aid Office for any other support they may receive from their institution. There is no opportunity for students to receive U.S. Federal "work study" funding while studying in Australia.

The Refund Policy is accordance with the Bursar's Office of Nazareth College (585-389-2033).

 

Transportation and Documents

Nazareth College does not include the cost of travel to and from the study site in its charges for study abroad. Students will be responsible for the cost of their round trip air fare, payable directly to a scheduled airline or a travel bureau. Nazareth College will advise all students of the best flight connections for timely arrival in Australia. Travel on different dates is possible. Students should remember that Australia is on the other side of the International Date Line. A non-stop flight leaving the United States will arrive in Australia two calendar days later. (No calendar days are lost on the return trip.) Students will be met at the airport by an ACU representative.

Each student must possess a valid passport that should remain valid for at least six months after the estimated return to the United States.

All international students in Australia require a Student Visa, obtained in their home country before their departure for Australia. Students who are accepted to the program will be advised by the Nazareth College Center for International Education about the application for a student visa from an Australian Consulate.

The Australian Government requires all international students, including Exchange students and their dependants, to obtain health insurance for the duration of their visas. For a single student this is approximately AUD148 for six months and AUD274 for a year (rates subject to change). This cover must be paid before a Confirmation of Enrolment will be issued (which you will need to obtain your visa). This entitles a student to 85% of the government scheduled fees for private doctors, pathology and x-ray costs (excluding pre-existing conditions), and students must make up the short-fall. It includes full cover in Public Hospitals.

 

Living Accomodations

At all campuses the International Student Officers can assist international students who are seeking accommodation:

  • On-Campus
    On-campus accommodation is available only at Ballarat and Brisbane as follows:
    • Aquinas (Ballarat) - Aquinas (Ballarat) - "Camillus"
    • McAuley (Brisbane) - furnished single rooms with access to facilities.

  • Private accommodation
    Students may choose to live alone, share with a friend, or board at a hostel. At some campuses it may be possible to make arrangements to stay in church-run accommodation off-campus.
  • Homestay
    This is an ideal way for students to learn about the Australian way of life and culture. Homestay usually involves living with a family and sharing general facilities, though students have their own private room.

Back to Top >

About the University

Students who undertake more than one semester of study at ACU may move to a different campus, provided the selected units are available.Each campus of ACU offers students the opportunity to experience a different aspect of Australian culture and environment.

Brisbane
Brisbane has a reputation for being a relaxed and friendly city. Average temperatures are 68-83°F (20-28°C) in summer and 50-72°F (10-22°C) in winter. The city has grown rapidly in recent years, especially assisted by the hosting of the 1988 World Expo. With a population of 1.25 million it offers all the conveniences of a large city. Brisbane is located on the south-east coast of the state of Queensland and is a handy base for touring the famous beaches of the Gold and Sunshine coasts, and the world famous Barrier Reef.

McAuley Campus
Student population: 1,800
The largest of the campuses, McAuley is still small enough to maintain a caring and supportive student environment. The modern buildings are enhanced by native trees and flowers. Situated 5 minutes walk from the local train station in the suburb of Mitchelton, McAuley is 7 kilometres (4 mi.) from the city center. There is a major suburban shopping center nearby.

Sydney
Sydney has a population of more than 3 million people, and is the largest city in Australia. World-renowned for its beautiful harbour and Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and beaches, Sydney also has a host of entertainment and sporting activities. Sydney was the site of the 2000 Summer Olympics, which has given the metropolitan area first rate facilities for international events. The climate is comfortable, with average summer temperatures ranging from 65-83°F (18-28°C) in summer, and from 45-60F (7-16°C) in winter. The University has two campuses in Sydney.

MacKillop Campus (North Sydney)
Student population: 1,300
Just a 10 minute train ride over the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge from the Central Business district of Sydney (and Chinatown), this campus is centrally located. It is a short walk from North Sydney train station which is easily accessible from a great number of suburbs. There is also an excellent bus service.


Mount St Mary Campus (Strathfield)
Student population: 1,500
Situated in one of the older, established suburbs in Sydney, the campus has some gracious buildings, including an Italianate Romanesque style chapel, and is set in beautifully landscaped grounds. Located only 15 kilometres (10 mi.) west of the city center, the campus is easily reached by public transport. It is an 8-minute bus trip from Strathfield train station, a major suburban interchange.

Canberra
Canberra is the national capitalof Australia. It is a safe international city with more than 70 diplomatic missions and the national Parliament. For students, Canberra provides excellent facilities for study including access to the National Library, the largest in Australia. Canberra's well-planned bike paths make this a great place for cyclists. The city is carefully planned to blend in with the natural environment. Summers are fairly warm at 55-83°F (13-28°C) and average winter temperatures range from 34-52°F (1-11°C).

Signadou Campus
Student population: 600
Only 5 kilometres (3 mi.) from the center of Canberra and well-serviced by public transport, Signadou is a convenient location for what is one of the University's smaller campuses. International students at this campus are linked with other international students in the city through the Canberra Council for International Students, a social and support organisation.

Melbourne
Melbourne, with a population of more than 3 million, is a busy financial center renowned for its parks, gardens and both historic and contemporary buildings. It is a major sporting, commercial and cultural city in Australia. With its many ethnic restaurants (30% of the population was born overseas) and user-friendly trams, the city has been voted internationally as the "most liveable city in the world". The climate of Melbourne is moderate with summer temperatures from 65-86°F (18-30°C) and winters from 46-61°F (8-16°C). The University has two campuses in Melbourne.

St Patrick's Campus (Fitzroy)
Student population: 2,400
The campus is located on the fringe of the central business district of Melbourne. It is serviced by an excellent transport system and can be reached by bus, tram or train. The campus is in Fitzror, which is well known for its variety of cosmopolitan cafes and shops.

Ballarat
A picturesque rural town of 80,000 people, Ballarat is a living museum of the goldrush period in Australia, with many fine Victorian buildings. The wide tree-lined streets are enhanced by attractive gardens, fountains, monuments and sculptures. Features of "small town" living in Australia are the relative safety, lack of traffic congestion and friendly people. Ballarat has a climate similar to that of Melbourne though slightly cooler.

Aquinas Campus
Student population: 720
The campus is located 110 kilometres (72 mi.) west of Melbourne and students from there usually live in Ballarat, as do those from surrounding districts. The campus is near the commercial center of Ballarat and within easy reach of facilities. The beautiful old buildings of the campus reflect the history of the town.

Back to Top >

About Australia

Australia is a large country with a relatively small population of 18 million. The majority of people live in the main cities along the east coast, where the Australian Catholic University campuses are located.. Australians generally are friendly and informal.

The safe environment and comfortable climate provide many opportunities to enjoy both the beauty of the countryside and beaches and the amenities of modern cities. Australia is a multicultural society with immigrants from all over the world who have chosen to live here. The official multicultural policy allows for the various ethnic groups to express their identity, and it is a right of all citizens and visitors to practice their own faith.

 

Application Forms

The application forms for the Australia Exchange Program may be downloaded as a PDF file.. Completed applications should be sent to:

Center for International Education
Nazareth College of Rochester
4245 East Avenue
Rochester NY 14618-3790
Click here for the Australia Exchange Program application.

Students make contact with the Australian Catholic University system first through Nazareth College. ACU will not accept Nazareth Program applications directly.

 

Contact Us

For more information, please contact us by email or by telephone at the Nazareth College Center for International Education: 585-389-2370.

Back to Top >