aboriginal studies in sydney (macquarie university)

Join World Endeavors for a unique Aboriginal Studies program in Sydney, one of the greatest cities in the world. This is an opportunity to gain an understanding about indigenous Australians, their history, their culture and contemporary diversity in the context of Australia today. You will earn academic credit and a certificate in Aboriginal Studies while studying alongside Australian and other international students.

As the nation of Australia moves towards the centenary of Federation there is a need to reconcile Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. An understanding of indigenous Australians, their history, their culture and contemporary diversity is a vital part of the reconciliation process.

Courses in Aboriginal Studies:

• allow Aboriginal people to speak of their life experiences and provide an Aboriginal perspective on Australia's past
• promote deeper understanding of the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians by raising awareness of Aboriginal history and culture
• deal with contemporary issues affecting not only Aboriginal people but the whole Australian community
• impart the necessary skills to establish contacts with indigenous communities and to communicate with them effectively

Eligibility: Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or equivalent to be eligible for the program. Individual subjects/units/courses will be approved in accordance with selection criteria and previous studies.

Pre-Departure Information: Before students embark, they will be provided a pre-departure guide that includes important details about their semester abroad. In addition to the guide, students may contact World Endeavors any time prior to departure with questions.

Orientation also includes activities which help students get to know each other, and concludes with a dinner hosted for international students. Other activities are offered during this week to introduce students to Sydney and each other. These activities vary each semester and information will be provided when the acceptance package is issued.

Apartment housing situated adjacent to the campus consists of fully-furnished apartments, each accommodating up to four students (2 single bedrooms and 1 twin bedroom). An additional cost applies for students who request a single room. A Residential Director oversees the apartments throughout each semester. The apartment complex is situated within walking distance of a shopping mall and has easy access to transportation.

Instruction
Assessment is based on completion of assignments and essays which can vary between 1,500 and 4,000 words. There is usually a final examination or a long essay in lieu of an examination at the end of each unit. There is a great deal of individual study required at Australian universities. Most units do not have weekly class tests.

Credit and Contact Hours
As the bulk of the university's degrees are 3 years in duration, the level of units is 100, 200 and 300, which generally equate with 200, 300 and 400 level US units. Most study abroad students enroll in 100 or 200 level units.

Study Abroad students are required to take between 9 and 14 Macquarie University credit points per semester. The recommended load is 12 credit points. Most units at Macquarie are valued at either 3 or 4 credit points, which equates approximately between 12 and 16 hours of study per unit, including class attendance, private study, library research, etc. The actual workload can vary from unit to unit and even week to week across the university.

Academic credit and transcripts will be issued by Macquarie University after the successful completion of course requirements for the semester or academic year program. It is the students responsibility to contact their academic advisor prior to the semester to ensure that courses taken while abroad are transferable to their home institution.

Grading
Grades awarded are as follows: HD High Distinction 85-100% D Distinction 75-84% CR Credit 65-74% P Pass 50-64% PC Conceded Pass 45-49% F Fail 0-44% S Pass (used for units where grading is on a Pass or Fail basis only)

Courses: The Aboriginal Studies courses provide an understanding of indigenous Australians, their history, their culture and contemporary diversity. Preliminary selection of courses occurs during the application process. Course selection will be finalized after arrival on campus. Some courses are offered one semester per year.

• ABST100Introduction to Aboriginal Studies
• ABST200Contemporary Issues in Aboriginal Studies
• ABST210Aboriginal Pre-history
• ABST300 Indigenous Voices and Perspectives
• ANTH384 Australian Indigenous Studies
• BIOL350 Aboriginal Impacts on Australian Ecosystems
• BIOL351 Aboriginal Bioresources Field Trip
• EDUC388 Aboriginal Education: Issues and Approaches
• GEOS303 Resource Management
• LAW418 Law, Laws and Aboriginal Peoples
• SOC388 Aboriginality
• HIST316 From Protection to Native Title: Aboriginal Australian History in the Twentieth Century

On campus you can find a wide range of cultural facilities. There is an Art gallery, History Museum, Sculpture Park, Earth Science Museum and a Museum of Ancient Cultures, just to mention a few. The admission is free and all visitors are welcome!

There is a wide range of sporting facilities on campus. You can find everything from Squash, Real Tennis and Badminton courts, a Weight & Fitness Center, outside tennis and basketball courts, Aerobics and a Golf Driving Range. The gym is open from morning to night during the weekdays and offers great discounts to students.

The campus itself is like a small shopping center. Shops and services include a bookshop, dentist, hairdresser, banks, pharmacy and a health and counseling centre.

There is a wide range of food outlets and restaurants on campus. The Courtyard restaurant is located in the middle of campus which overlooks the heart of the university social area. There are also a number of food outlets to tempt all tastes in the SAM building. There you will find Asian, Italian, Australian and American cuisine.

An excellent way to meet new friends is to join a student club. There are over 100 clubs and societies and whatever you are interested in, there is a club for you! On campus you can find different religious societies, country clubs, drama clubs, film clubs, an IT society, Marketing Business Society and a Bushwalking club.

There is also a wide range of sporting clubs including a snow skiing club, waterskiing club, scuba diving club and various other sporting clubs such as Tennis, Squash, Yoga and karate clubs. One of the largest clubs is the soccer club which presently has 10 teams playing in different leagues.

There is always something going on on campus. The two biggest days on campus are Open Day and Conception day, where the campus comes alive with events and activities for all students and visitors.

During the semester various events are planned that will make your university life a truly enjoyable experience. Some of the activities and events include: markets, live bands, movies, theatre performances and various cultural events.

Activities: Based on interest, several weekend trips will be offered during each semester, taking in the breathtaking wonder of the Australian coastline, landscape and mountains. Experienced providers will take you away from it all, and then bring you back safely. Regular social events are also offered including harbor cruises, sporting matches, movie nights and parties. Bring your camera!

Student Clubs:

• Australasian Union of Jewish Students
• Debating Society
• Basketball Club
• Buddhist Society
• Bushwalking Club
• Catholic Asian Student Society
• Catholic Society
• Chinese Christian Fellowship
• Chinese Student Society (MUCSS)
• Chinese Students University Association (CSUA)
• Christian Union Drama Society (DRAMAC)
• Economics, Commerce and Finance Society (ECFS)
• Filmsoc
• IT Society
• Law Society
• Marketing Business Society
• Persian Association
• Postgraduate Students Association (MUPRA)
• Rowing Club
• Rugby Football Club
• Singapore Students Association
• Soccer Club
• Sri Lankan Association of Macquarie
• Sports Association
• Student Life - Christians on Campus
• Students Council
• Thai Student Association
• University Chiropractic Students' Association
• University Singers

Not Included:

• Round-Trip airfare to Australia 
• Housing deposits generally range from $250-400. These are refundable. 
• Optional trips and excursions
• Visa expenses 
• Textbooks 
• Personal expenses