LIU Study Abroad


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Byron Bay, Australia – Ocean Conservation

Dates: May 16 – 26, 2025

Italy

Course Title: GAPC 398 - Whales, Turtles and Ocean Conservation

Course Description: With the groundbreaking 2023 UN Global Ocean Treaty aiming to protect at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030, understanding past successes and pitfalls of ocean conservation is vital if the world wants to achieve this ambitious agenda. Home to one of the magnificent natural wonders of the world - the Great Barrier Reef - and with coastlines adjoining three of the world’s five oceans, Australia is an important case study to better understand the trials and tribulations of ocean conservation. This course will explore how and why Australia’s humpback whales became a conservation success story and examine what it means for helping endangered sea turtles. Spending plenty of time at, on and in the South Pacific Ocean, we will come face to face with whales, turtles and many other important species while learning more about their habitats, the pressures they face and how we can better protect them. The course includes plenty of exciting and active water-based field trips in and around Byron Bay, Australia’s easternmost point and home to an iconic marine park with great species diversity, as well as an extended visit to the Great Barrier Reef.

Credits: 3 credits that count as liberal arts credits and Honors College credits (if applicable), NO SUBSTITUTIONS.

Instructor: Professor Joshua James

Summer Travel:

  • Arrive in Byron Bay before 2 PM on 5/16/25.
    • Airport transfer to accommodation is not included because there are multiple airport options (Brisbane, Coolangatta, Ballina/Byron). Brisbane is the best option with direct flights from the U.S. (Coolangatta and Ballina/Byron require layovers in Sydney or Melbourne).
  • Check out of accommodations by 10 AM on 5/26/25.

Accommodation:

  • Students will reside in double or triple rooms in hotels.

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1

  • Classroom session
  • Lunch
  • Visit the seabird and turtle rescue station
  • Dinner

Day 2

  • Short flight to the Great Barrier Reef (Lady Elliot Island)
  • Lunch  
  • Whale watching trip

Day 3

  • Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef
  • Lunch 
  • Kayaking the Great Barrier Reef
  • Free time

Travel Fees:

  • $3700.41 (not including airfare)

      • Travel fee includes:

      • All transportation to field trips and activities
      • All field trips, activities, registration/entrance fees
      • Books and course materials
      • Hotel accommodation (double rooms)
      • Select meals
      • Travel insurance

Notes: 

  • Plan to bring about $30-40 a day because only select meals are included.

Guidelines For All Courses:

  • Open to all undergraduate LIU students not graduating in spring 2025.
    • P1, P2, and P3 Pharmacy students are also invited to participate.
    • Non-LIU undergraduate students are also welcome to enroll but must pay the additional credit cost mentioned below.
    • These are spring courses with a travel component after the final exam period.
    • Meet once a week for one hour and fifty minutes over Zoom during the spring 2025 semester. Courses will meet a total of 8 days during the semester. Students are expected to keep the block open throughout the semester until the faculty member provides the final schedule at the start of the course.
    • 10-18 students per course.
    • Students must adhere to the conduct rules outlined in the Student Handbook while on all trips. 
      • If students do not adhere to these rules, they can be expelled from the trip at their expense.

Travel Requirements:

  • All participants must have a valid passport. It cannot expire within six months of the trip. No visa is required for U.S. participants for the current summer study abroad offerings. For non-U.S. citizens, please research travel requirements and reach out directly to discuss your specific needs.
  • Participants must have received all vaccinations required by the country, region, or airline. Please research travel requirements and reach out directly to discuss your specific needs.

Understanding Extra Fees:

  • Credit costs are included in LIU semester tuition (if registered for 18 credits or less).
    • $1256 extra for each credit over 18 (LIU undergrad).
    • $1489 extra for each credit over 18 (LIU professional phase Pharmacy).
    • $4277 additional charge for non-LIU undergraduate visiting students.
      • They will receive three credits from LIU that transfer to their institution. They will need to speak with their own institution to see what the credits count for in their degree.
  • Airfare is NOT INCLUDED – students must arrive during a specific time window on a set date and leave university care after the final activity.
    • Students are welcome to arrive early and/or stay after the course finishes.
    • Students are responsible for themselves and all travel costs outside the course days.
    • Please do not purchase airfare until after 12/20/2024, when the courses are confirmed as running with at least 10 participants.
  • Students only pay a fixed travel fee that includes:
    • Airport transfer (COS and EUR only)
    • All transportation to field trips and activities
    • All field trips, activities, registration/entrance fees
    • Books and course materials
    • Hotel accommodation (double rooms)
    • Select meals
    • Travel insurance

Deadlines:

  • Students must enroll in short-term study abroad courses by 12/20/2024 to reserve their place.
  • A $1000 deposit is due by 2/3/2025. The remaining balance is due according to your spring semester billing plan.
  • Students cannot drop short-term study abroad courses after 12/20/2024 without being liable for charges.
    • Students are liable for all travel fees (travel, accommodation, etc.) if they drop short-term study abroad courses after 12/20/2024.
    • Students are liable for all travel and credits (if over 18 or non-LIU) if they drop short-term study abroad courses after 2/3/25.

Registration:

  • This course will open with spring registration.
  • Non-LIU students should reach out to Gregory.Barton@liu.edu to enroll.
  • Space in the courses is first come, first serve. The only way to secure a spot is to register for the course. There is no waitlist for the courses – students must monitor enrollment on their own.
  • You must be available to meet during the weekly virtual meeting time – this is a class. There will be no exceptions.

Scholarships:

  • LIU scholarships and federal financial pay for your semester tuition, not travel fees.
  • LIU students can apply for the Long Island University Study Abroad Fellowship to supplement the travel fees for the study abroad experience by 11/15/2024. 
    • The Study Abroad Fellowship is awarded based on merit and financial need. It will not cover the entire amount.
    • The Study Abroad Fellowship is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
    • Students will be informed of decisions by 11/30/2024.
    • The application link is: https://forms.office.com/r/CkM2T3sYev   

More Information:


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