Australia » James Cook University » Student Comments

Overall Value of the Experience

Studying abroad at JCU has been really good and has opened my eyes to many new things.

I really have enjoyed my time in Australia.  It is a beautiful country with a lot of history to learn about and places to explore.  Also, it’s really interesting to step out of America for awhile and take a look at it from the outside – to experience life in a different country with different people and perspectives.   

Academic Program

The marine science department here is right on top and there are a lot of great professors, projects, and classes to take.

I found my classes to be quite interesting.  None of them were too big and the professors all seemed quite accessible. The classes are a little different than here in that there are fewer assessments throughout the semester, so the majority of your grade comes from one big final at the end – so it’s important to try and keep up with studying on your own! 

There were definitely more written assignments and speaking assignments.  For one of my classes I had to write a 10 page paper and do a 25 minute speech on it. 

Living in Australia

As for the life here, it is amazing.  That’s all I have to say; it is the tropics of Australia.  I really don’t think I could think of a better place. 

Townsville has a really nice campus and you feel like you’re in the forest or bush sometimes because there is always lots of wildlife around (wallabies, possums, and lots of cool, yet sometimes crazy birds). 

Finances

I figure we spent about $15,000 or so on everything: tuition, food, rent, entertainment, travel expenses.  This includes two and a half weeks of traveling at the end of our trip.  It is a bit more expensive for things over there though. 

It’s different too when you live off campus as you have to pay rent weekly. 

On-Site Support

Extracurricular Activities

Living at Rotary International House was a great way to interact with people from all over.  We always had great events, parties, and trips so making friends and getting out was never difficult.

Campus Contacts

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* Also serves as the program Coordinator/Assistant.

Downloads

• Program Application
• Deakin Program Handbook
• James Cook Program Handbook
• Australia Slideshow

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