This cultural immersion course offers a rare opportunity to live, work, and make a tangible impact in Australian wildlife conservation all while engaging deeply with the world’s oldest living culture. The mission of this experience is to survey and participate in Australian wildlife conservation efforts while developing a hands-on understanding of the relationship it shares with Aboriginal culture. 

You won’t just learn about conservation, you’ll do it. From hands-on volunteering with grassroots organizations and wildlife sanctuaries to collaborating with university-led global initiatives, you will gain practical experience that expands your perspective and understanding of the ever-evolving conservation movement.  Throughout the course, you’ll work alongside conservation professionals, park rangers, biologists, and Aboriginal leaders who are actively shaping the future of environmental stewardship.

Australia is home to an extraordinary concentration of biodiversity, with species found nowhere else on the planet. Yet, it also faces a critical extinction crisis. This experience places you at the heart of that challenge, giving you the chance to contribute to meaningful solutions while understanding the global importance of conservation.

What makes this experience truly unique is its focus on the powerful connection between wildlife conservation and Aboriginal culture. You’ll visit sacred cultural sites, participate in guided experiences with Aboriginal elders, and witness firsthand how Indigenous knowledge and leadership are driving innovative conservation efforts across the country. This is more than cultural exposure, it’s a chance to understand a living, evolving partnership between people and the environment.

Our journey begins in New South Wales, where you’ll explore diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests and eucalyptus forests to coastal wetlands and iconic beaches. A highlight of this region is a four-day volunteer placement at a wildlife sanctuary that integrates conservation with Aboriginal traditions. You’ll also take part in a Dreamwalk led by Aboriginal elders and experience the stunning coastline of Jervis Bay.

The adventure continues in tropical North Queensland, starting in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. You will spend a full day on the reef alongside marine biologists and Aboriginal Rangers, gaining insight into one of the world’s most threatened natural wonders. Then, a three day stay at Fitzroy Island follows, where you’ll live and work within a pristine national park environment and volunteer with a sea turtle conservation program, all while experiencing marine life both above and below the water.

Beyond structured activities, you’ll have time to hike, kayak, snorkel, and explore, making this as both an adventure and an academic experience. Comfortable accommodations and a supportive group environment ensure you can focus on learning, contributing, and making lifelong memories. *This course satisfies the Engaged Learning (EL) core requirement.*

• Friday, Jan. 2: Depart from SFO to SYD

Week 1

• Jan. 4-6: Bulli Beach Holiday park (accommodation)
• Jan. 4: We will spend the day in and around town acclimating to our new environment and time zone.  Beach time, grocery shopping, and relaxing are all on the agenda.
• Jan. 5: Acclimatization and Exploration Day
  • Beach walk to Thirroul - shops, cafes, tidepooling. Dinner at Bulli/Woonona RSL.
• Jan 6: FREE DAY: Students may stay local (beaches, Wollongong/Kiama, cultural activities) or opt to travel via train to Sydney or Bondi Beach (optional).  
• Jan. 7-9: Twin Falls Bush Cottages (accommodation)
• Jan. 7 - Early departure to the Southern Highlands
  • Service work with Southern Highlands Wildlife Rescue organization
• Dinner at accommodation
• Jan. 8 - Service work at Twin Falls Bush Cottages
• Afternoon/evening Sausage Sizzle
• Jan. 9 - Service work with Wombat Care Bundanoon. Dinner at accommodation or Bundanoon Hotel Pub

Week 2

• Jan. 10-11: Dungowan Waterfront (accommodation)
• Jan. 10: After breakfast we will drive to St. Georges Basin at Jervis Bay. (2 hours). We will visit Bendalong Beach and feed the giant sting rays! A large pod of kangaroos resides at this beach as well.
• Jan. 11: Dreamwalk with the Djiribi Waagura Aboriginal leaders in Boderee National Park
• Jan. 12-14: Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park (accommodation)
• Jan. 12: After an early breakfast, we will drive to the Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park (4 hours)
  • We are spending three days volunteering as ‘park rangers’ and working with wildlife conservationists and Aboriginal leaders.  
  • Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park
• Jan. 15-18: Getaway on Grafton (accommodation)
• Jan. 15: Early shuttle to Sydney Airport. Flight from Sydney to Cairns 
• Jan. 16: Drive to Kuranda for Agile Wallaby conservation work followed by service work with BatReach (Flying Foxes!).
• Jan. 17: EARLY departure for full-day on the Great Barrier Reef!  Scuba dive and/or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef with Marine Biologists from James Cook University and Aboriginal Rangers. This is a seriously awesome opportunity .
• Jan. 18: After breakfast we will travel north to Hartley’s Croc Farm at the edge of the Daintree Forest.  We will take a long waterfall hike before entering the park.

Week 3

• Jan. 19-20: Fitzroy Island (accommodation)
• Jan. 19: After breakfast, catch an early ferry to Fitzroy Island.  Save Our Sea Turtles organization presentation and volunteering.  Free time activities: HIKE  TO SUMMIT, snorkel, kayak, SUP, etc.
• Jan. 20: Save Our Sea Turtles organization presentation and volunteering.  Free time activities: HIKE  TO SUMMIT, snorkel, kayak, SUP, etc.  
  • FINAL EXAM at Nudey Beach! Dinner at Foxy’s Restaurant
• Jan. 21: Sydney Veriu Green Square (accommodation)
  • Take an early Ferry to Cairns. Afternoon flight to Sydney.  Overnight at airport hotel
• Jan. 22: Depart from SYD to SFO

Course Fee: $4,900-5,400
Learn about the Jan Term Travel Scholarship for additional funding.

This fee includes:
All required travel to and within Australia, all lodging, all breakfasts, some lunches and dinners, and all required activities.

Estimated cost outside of course fee: 
$500-$750 (mostly extra food costs)