Education Abroad

La Trobe University Melbourne

LA TROBE UNIVERSITY
La Trobe University is named after Charles Joseph La Trobe, who did more than any other person to shape the State of Victoria. He supervised the establishments of self-government, the public library, art gallery and a university, and development of the goldfields. La Trobe is new enough to have modern, comfortable facilities and has been established long enough to have a long-standing international reputation for excellence in teaching and research. There are many sporting clubs through the Sports and Recreation Association including Australian Rules Football, Dance and Hang Gliding. There is also a wide range of non-sporting clubs and societies catering to other student interests. The Student Union, through its Activities Office, has responsibility for entertainment on campus, which includes live music and comedy. 

Bundoora, La Trobe's main campus in metropolitan Melbourne, was founded in 1964 and has approximately 22,000 students including 1,600 international students. The student population represents many different cultural and ethnic groups, a wide range of ages and many different social and professional backgrounds. This diversity provides an exciting background for students who wish to experience the Australian way of life. The campus has a parkland setting, one of the biggest and most attractive in Australia, home to many species of native birds and animals. The campus is easily reached by public transportation from central Melbourne - 45-60 minutes by bus or tram. 

Bendigo, a regional campus, located two hours from Melbourne offers a relaxed, regional lifestyle in a smaller setting where emphasis is placed on the individual. A wide range of courses is available in the arts, business, education, health sciences, science, and technology. 

With a population of 4,500 students, Bendigo campus offers the opportunity to study in conditions, where, because of smaller numbers, international students receive lots of personal attention. The campus is located in a picturesque setting and is well serviced by public transportation. It has a bookshop, food outlet, and there is a large modern shopping complex within 5 minutes walk of the campus. 

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA
The State of Victoria is located in the southeast of Australia. Victoria offers magnificent coastlines, agricultural land, and rugged beauty of arid, semi-desert areas. Melbourne has been called one of the world's most livable cities. 

A city of contrasts, it is the cultural and corporate capital of Australia, famed for its safe and healthy environment. Melbourne is known for its multiculturalism, home to a population originating from 135 different countries, featuring cuisine from around the world affordable on a student budget. 

Bell's Beach, home of the World Surfing Championships, is less than two hours away from Melbourne. The Great Ocean Road, the world's most inspiring coastal road, features the contrasts of the country's truly unique wildlife ranging from the beautiful Otway rainforests to the breathtaking windswept drama of the Shipwreck Coast. Victoria also features 32 national parks to explore and enjoy. 

CITY OF BENDIGO
The City of Bendigo has a long and colorful history, beginning with the discovery of gold in the mid 1800's. It is situated 90 minutes northwest of Melbourne Airport. With a population of 85,000, Bendigo offers an easy lifestyle in beautiful surroundings. In addition to big shopping centers, galleries, theatres, restaurants, cafés, sporting facilities - all the benefits of a big city - Bendigo provides a perfect base from which to visit Victoria's snowfields, wineries, lake and rivers, and gold mines. Many students enjoy hiking, rock-climbing, and get involved in countless outdoor activities. 

ACADEMIC PROGRAM
The Australian academic year follows the Southern Hemisphere calendar starting in late-February and ending in mid-November. At La Trobe, as with all Australian universities, there is considerable emphasis on independent learning. You will be expected to participate in class discussions, expressing your own ideas and opinions. Self-motivation is a must because you will be expected to read widely, conduct individual research, and self-discover beyond the material presented in class. 

Each course, called a "subject," is designated with a number indicating the year-level at which they are offered with the normal degree program, e.g. Ancient Greek 1HHH is a first year subject (100 level) while Art History 2FR/3FR indicates the subject can be taken as either a second or third-year subject. Second and third-level subjects are equivalent to upper-level (300/400) classes at UWP. The normal load for a semester is 40-60 credit points: 15 credit points is equivalent to 4 UWP credits; 20 credit points is equivalent to 5 UWP credits. The semester when the class is offered is designated "1" starting in February, "2" starting in July, "1/2" either semester, or "Y" year long starting in February.

La Trobe University offers a variety of classes in the arts, social sciences, business, education, the sciences, and health sciences. Below is just a sample of some available programs: 

• Aboriginal Studies
• Australian Studies
• Biology
• Business, Law and Management
• Environmental Studies
• Health Sciences
• Media and Cinema Studies
• Tourism and Hospitality

Discover Australia Cultural Program
Enrich your international experience and discover Australia's vibrant culture through an interdisciplinary Australian Studies program and evening Speaker Series with experiential learning opportunities.  For information is available on-line at: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/australianstudies/.

Discover Australia Unit--an innovative program covering Australian issues with comparative analysis of other countries and cultures.  This program is taught by leading academics, open to all students and is a semester length unit for credit.

Speaker Series--a weekly evening lecture program covering different topics relating to Australian culture and society.  Lecturers are experts in their fields and deliver an interactive seminar with recommended excursions associated with the topic.  Students will receive a certificate of completion for their participation.

And at the regional Bendigo campus... 

• Outdoor Education
  Specializing in outdoor adventure leadership and nature guiding, combining extensive field trips with outdoor education theory and environmental studies.

• Health Sciences

• Education including Physical Education

• Fine Art and Graphic Design featuring Ceramics, Glaze Technology and wood-fired kilns

A full listing of La Trobe's  programs and course descriptions can be found at: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/handbook.

Study Abroad Handbook (available courses)

HOUSING
In Australia the term "College" is used to describe a residential facility located on a university campus, which offers both accommodation and student services. With a philosophy of more than just a place to live, the Colleges offer a unique experience of Australian way of life. 

There are three Colleges on the Bundoora campus: Menzies, Chisholm, and Glenn. They provide single, furnished study bedrooms; shared kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities; and recreational and study areas. The dormitories are all located within a five-minute walk to the campus center. You will live in either Menzies (self-catering) or Chisholm (kitchen facilities and some evening meals available) dormitories. The kitchen facilities located in Chisholm make personal meal preparation convenient for students. Please note: Housing shortages in the future may require alternative housing arrangements at the discretion of La Trobe University's International Programs Office. 

More information on the colleges can be found at:
http://www.latrobe.edu.au/www/menzies/
http://www.latrobe.edu.au/www/chisholm

The Bendigo campus provides some of the best accommodation facilities to be found on any campus in Australia. All on-campus accommodation is located within walking-distance of the academic buildings. The Units are nine buildings, each accommodating 12 people in single, well-furnished study-bedrooms. Each unit has a large, semi-equipped kitchen, two bathroom areas and a mezzanine lounge area. The Terraces consist of 21 large houses each accommodating eight or ten people in single, well-furnished study-bedrooms. There are twin bathrooms and laundry areas, along with well-appointed kitchen and lounge areas. 

PASSPORTS & VISAS
Before you travel abroad, you will need to obtain a passport, which will serve as proof of your U.S. citizenship. A passport may allow you to gain entry to (and exit from) other countries. Depending on the country to which you're traveling, a visa may be required as well. Entry requirements vary from one country to another. The U.S. State Department issues travel warnings specific to certain countries, and offers tips and publications relevant to travel abroad generally. Well in advance of your departure, you should also familiarize yourself with international travel health issues, and health recommendations specific to your destination.

PROGRAM FEE
The program fee includes the following: 

• Tuition (15 credits) and Administrative Fees
• Housing (Chisholm College)
• Australian National Health Insurance (required)
• Study Abroad Health Insurance (required by UW System)
• International Student Identity Card (ISIC)

Airfare is not included in the program price.

The cost of housing is included in the program fee; however submitting the La Trobe refundable cancellation fee is the responsibility of the student.

The program fee does not include a meal plan or meal stipend of any kind.