Australia/Pacific
The Australia/Pacific Program examines sustainable development in Oceania and Southeast Asia. Over two semesters of coursework and fieldwork, students explore how diverse communities and nations address the challenge of promoting economic development while protecting the planet’s ecosystems. The program is based in Byron Bay, Australia, with travel to New Zealand, Fiji, and Bali.
Why Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Bali?
- Australia: A multicultural society with a postcolonial resurgence of Aboriginal culture, Australia balances economic development with environmental concerns, especially in relation to China and India’s growth.
- New Zealand: Known for its powerful Maori culture, stunning landscapes, and renewable energy leadership, NZ provides insights into Pacific sustainability, Indigenous issues, and climate change.
- Fiji: A microstate where Native Fijians and Indo-Fijians grapple with global market pressures and the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels.
- Bali: A Hindu island in predominantly Muslim Indonesia, Bali exemplifies the challenge of balancing cultural preservation and environmental sustainability in the face of globalization.
Semester One: Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand
- Courses: Political Economy and Ecology in the Asia-Pacific, Race, Power, and Indigeneity, Introduction to International Development, Global Studies Seminar, and Special Topics in Global Studies, International Relations, and Arts.
Semester Two: Australia and Bali
- Courses: Culture, Politics, and Identity in Australasia, Australia’s First Peoples, Social Entrepreneurship, Climate Change and Coastal Management, Multimedia Storytelling, and Special Topics in Global Studies.
Through this program, students gain a deep understanding of sustainability, Indigenous rights, and the complex relationships between culture, development, and the environment in the Pacific region.