International & Intercultural Education (I&IE)

2411 W. 14th St., Tempe, AZ 85281

This unique, marine biology program will be open to participants with a desire to learn about tropical habitats by direct experience, and have the ability to adapt to unfamiliar food, culture and surroundings. The program will be run in Australia from June 8 to July 1, 2007. Whitsunday Training in Cannonvale, Queensland will be our base of operations. Participants will spend their days in a guided exploration of the coast that will include many fascinating discussions of tropical marine biology and marine conservation. The courses will include “reef talk” lectures, workshops and readings from training and popular literature. Field activities will include guided nature walks and snorkeling or scuba diving excursions led by trained naturalists and guides. The program will include day trips to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and a three-day live aboard dive trip on the GBR.

Participants will attend program events in Phoenix and Cannonvale. They will be required to attend a series of orientation meetings prior to departure for Australia. Once in Australia they will be required to participate in an intensive course of study offered by Mr. John Schampel of Phoenix College and Mr. Tony Fontes of OUCH (Order of Underwater Coral Heros). Participants will earn 3 credits through Phoenix College or Paradise Valley College for BIO 148 Coral Reef Ecology (1 credit) and BIO 149AL Ecological Field Experience (2 credits) and a GBR Marine Park Reef Discovery Course Certificate from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Participants will also be required to attend a post-trip meeting after returning from Australia. Prerequisites: good physical condition and swimming proficiency. Participants may request a pass/no credit grading option.

Through this program, MCCD will make a commitment to prepare its participants for successful participation in the global environmental community. Participants in this program will be exposed to tropical marine environments that are unavailable to them in the U.S. They will experience the high biodiversity found on the Great Barrier Reef; one of the most highly developed coral systems in the world. Australia has made tremendous strides in protecting its precious marine resources. Participants will learn about the roles of the public and private sectors in this conservation effort. The teaching and learning that will occur will develop knowledge and promote values among our participants to participate and become leaders in the global environmental protection effort.

This study abroad program reflects MCCD’s strategic goal of training individuals who value and respect cultural differences. The program is delivered in a perspective that compares the Australian and US cultural approaches to environmental protection. Government and park personnel visit our classroom to discuss local environmental issues. Tony Fontes, our Australian teacher, leads the group in the development of a series of environmental action plans. These plans consider land and ocean use policies for selected sites in the Whitsunday region. Participants visit these sites, discuss their living and cultural resources, and write public comments about them that are delivered to the Australian Government.

To further our cultural exchange, participants will tour Sydney Harbor, and visit Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife World and Chinatown. In another cultural event, participants will go on a Crocodile Safari where they are introduced to the traditional “Aussie Bushman” life-style. They will experience demonstrations of animal handling and “bush tucker” preparation. During our boat “outings”, participants interact with several different Australian boat crews and park interpreters, getting more of the Australian point of view.

1. Sydney Harbor
2. Sydney Aquarium
3. Sydney Wildlife World
4. Airlie Beach Lagoon
5. Abel Point Marina
6. Proserpine River
7. Conway National Park
8. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island
9. Hayman or Hook Island
10. Cairns
11. Great Barrier Reef World heritage Area
    • Hardy Reef
    • Milln Reef
    • Pellowe Reef
    • Flynn Reef
    • Thetford Reef

State Department Security Assessment:

Australia is a highly developed, stable democracy. U.S. citizens may travel to Australia on a valid U.S. passport with an Australian visa. No special precautions are necessary. The crime rate is low but tourists may be the target of petty thieves. Persons violating Australian laws may be arrested, imprisoned and/or deported. Penalties for possession, use, and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.

State Department Safety Assessment:

Excellent medical care is available but doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Americans are strongly urged to consult with their medical insurance company to confirm whether their policy applies in Australia. Supplemental coverage may be necessary. The State department rates the road conditions, availability of roadside assistance and safety of public transportation, as good. Visitors are reminded that all traffic operates on the left side of the road and vehicles use right hand drive. Pedestrians are reminded to look carefully in all directions. The FAA has assessed Australia's civil aviation as in compliance with international safety standards. Australia is located in an area of low seismic activity and the probability of a major earthquake is remote.

CDC Health Assessment:

Australia is a remarkably healthy country. The CDC recommends that traveler's in highly developed areas of Australia observe health precautions that would apply while traveling in the United States. Diseases of insanitation such as cholera and typhoid fever are unheard of and traveler's diarrhea is uncommon. Nevertheless, the CDC recommends safeguarding food and drinking water. Tropical diseases such as yellow fever and malaria are as yet unknown. Periodic outbreaks of mosquito borne diseases such as dengue and Ross River fevers are rare and highly localized. The CDC recommends the following vaccines as needed: booster doses of tetanus-diphtheria and measles and a one-time dose of polio. For more information visit <www.cdc.gov/travel/austspac.htm>. The most likely health risks to effect participants will be motion sickness, sunburn, heat rash, blisters, cuts and scratches. There is also an increased risk of dive injuries and encounters with dangerous marine organisms due to the activities associated with the program.

Emergency Action Plan:

FEES: These are estimated expenses based on an exchange rate of $0.75 US = 1 AUD. Minimum Number of Participants = 10

Food: