Wake Forest University Australia: Ecology and Resource Management (Summer)

Wake Forest University's Ecology & Resource Management summer program is based in Queensland, Australia. The Australian portion of the program starts in Brisbane and explores the vast ecological diversity of the area before flying to Townsville, the unofficial capital of northern Queensland. The location provides an ideal setting for students to explore topics related to rainforest diversity, Great Barrier Reef management and conservation, and human-ecosystem interaction in the Australian natural environment.

BIO 356: Ecology and Resource Management (4hrs)
Intensive field oriented course focusing on ecosystems, natural resource management and environmental conservation in Australia. Students travel to major biomes including sub-tropical rainforests, coral reefs and dry woodlands. Laboratories are field-based, with some consisting of student-designed field projects.

This is a field program that explores the relationship between people and their natural environment. Queensland is home to lush green rain forests, the remote Outback, and the spectacular marine diversity of the Great Barrier Reef. Students spend about 70% of their time traveling the stunning national parks, forests, wildlife reserves, coastlines, and islands of North Queensland under the guidance of field professionals. A typical itinerary includes snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, hiking in the rainforest, and studying wildlife of the dry woodlands. This year, the group will be spending three days on Lady Elliot Island, an island in the Great Barrier Reef where snorkeling is among the best in the world and has been little impacted by the recent coral reef bleaching.  The course can count as a Biology course (BIO 356, 4 credits) and as an elective for the Environmental Science and Environmental Studies minors.

Michael Anderson
Associate Professor of Biology
Telephone: (336) 758 5974
E-mail: anderstm@wfu.edu

Students will be housed at various field sites; accommodations may include lodges and hotels. Some meals will be arranged by the program, others will be the responsibility of the student (ex. local restaurants)

The total cost of summer study abroad can be broken down into four categories:

• Program Fee - Usually covers room, in-country travel, excursions, some meals and other costs associated with the program.
• Tuition – Students on WFU summer programs pay WFU summer school tuition per credit hour. The 2022 summer rate was $950/per credit hour. Expect a slight increase for summer 2023. 
• Airfare (estimated) – Varies per location. Students are responsible for their own airfare unless otherwise noted.
• Personal Expenses (estimated) – These will vary depending on the students' spending habits, cost of living in the destination country, and the number of meals included in the program fee. This may also include visa fees, vaccinations, academic supplies/books and other miscellaneous daily expenses.

Program Fee (estimated) - $5,730
Tuition (estimated) - (4hrs) - $3,800
Airfare (estimated) - $1,800
Personal Expenses (estimated) - $500
Estimated total cost - $11,700

Scholarships are available through the Center for Global Programs and Studies.

Sullivan Scholarships may be available for students participating on this program. Awards up to $2,500.  

Michael Anderson
Associate Professor of Biology
Telephone: (336) 758 5974
E-mail: anderstm@wfu.edu

Sean McGlynn
Study Abroad Advisor
Center for Global Programs and Studies
Phone: (336) 758 3194
E-mail: mcglynsd@wfu.edu