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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

International Affairs

     
Australia Summer Study Abroad

Teacher and Administrator Exchange
     
AT A GLANCE:

Program:
Summer
Teacher & Administrator Exchange

Location:
Australia

Housing:
Homestays

Estimated Cost (2006):
$3,000-$3,100

Dates :
July 10 - 31, 2006

Application Deadline:
Registration opens
December 15
Deadline:
February 1

Download as a PDF file:
Australia-Summer.pdf
 
Teacher & Administrator Exchange
 

The program is specifically designed for experienced K-12 teachers and administrators as well as undergraduate and graduate students who would like an opportunity to have an educational experience in another country but who have limited time to do so. Opportunities will be presented to gain an understanding of:

  • The Australian holistic approach to education
  • Operational structures of schools
  • Curriculum development strategies
  • Assessment and reporting
  • Personnel and staffing
  • Teaching and learning strategies
  • Higher education selection and admission
  • Teacher training and certification
The program consists of seminars and homestays in the cities of , Lismore, and Wollongong. Participants will be assigned a 5 day period to live and work with an Australian educator in Wollongong whose duties and responsibilities are similar to those of the Nebraska educator. These Australian educators will provide participants with opportunities to visit and work in their classrooms. Living and working alongside counterparts provides an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about the Australian way of life and educational system. The second homestay during the last week of the exchange will be in Sydney.
 
 
Tentative Itnerary
 
July 10...........Depart U.S. for Australia
July 12...........Arrive Sydney: Harbor cruise, city tour and sightseeing
July 12-15.......Sydney: Seminars and lectures at Education Department and Board of Studies, New South Wales
July 16...........Travel by coach to Canberra
July 16-17.......Canberra-- Tour Embassy Row, War Memorial and visit Royal National Park, Tour House of Parliament
July 18............Travel to Wollongong by coach
July 18-22........Wollongong: Homestays-- Wollongong: Seminar and lectures at University of Wollongong, Wollongong: Teaching                        in Australian Schools
July 23............Travel to Sydney by coach and then fly to Ballina and transfer by coach to Lismore Meet hosts for homestays
July 23-30........Lismore: Homestays and teaching in Australian schools
July 31............Return to US or begin independent travel

Participants will have an opportunity to extend the trip for personal travel on the route back to the United States.

A group of Australian teachers and/or administrators may visit Nebraska during October 2006 to gain an awareness of education within the United States, experience homestays, and enjoy traditional Nebraska hospitality. This program is envisioned as an exchange for building networks for global understanding. Selected Nebraska participants must be willing to host an Australian teacher or administrator (students are not obligated).
 
 
Travel Information
 
Apply for your passport after your participation in the program is confirmed. In Lincoln, go to the main post office, 700 R Street; in Omaha, 1124 Pacific Street. If you live elsewhere, contact the Clerk of the District Court in your county seat. You will need 1) proof of citizenship (certified birth certificate or naturalization papers), 2) two passport photos, 3) identification (driver’s license, etc.) and 4) $97. Passport applications are available at the passport office and International Affairs. Allow 3-4 weeks for the processing. After applicants have been selected and obtained their passports, International Affairs will obtain visas for the group at a predetermined time. No shots are required for travel to Australia but you should check with your physician for any recommended immunizations.
 
 
Faculty Contact
 

Dr. Alan Seagren (472-0972) is a professor of Educational Administration at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dr. Seagren serves as the administrator of the Nebraska/Australia Teacher Exchange Program and also hosts many Australian scholars at the University. His background in Australian education is extensive and he has been to Australia on several occasions.

 
 
Earn Academic Credits
 

Participants must enroll for three hours of undergraduate or graduate credit during the Second 5-week Summer Session. This course is offered as EDAD 890T or CURR 890T/490T. Please check with your advisor or appropriate department for further information. Graduate credit is under the supervision of and therefore granted by the graduate faculty of the University of Nebraska. Graduate credit can be obtained only by previous arrangement with the Graduate College. A prompt admit process is available at Graduate and Undergraduate levels.

 
 
Your program fee includes:
 

• Roundtrip airfare from Lincoln or Omaha
• Roundtrip airfare from Sydney to Ballina and return from Brisbane
• Four nights hotel accomodation in Sydney
• City tour and harbor cruise in Sydney
• Transportation to your home-stay family/school
• Transportation to Wollongong and Canberra
• Two nights hotel accomodation in Canberra
• Basic travel insurance including health and life
• Some meals

Tuition and fees will be billed separately by UNL student accounts. The estimated price range is $3,000-3,100 based on a minimum of 15 (2005 cost, subject to change) plus UNL tuition and fees (varies, dependent on resident/nonresident status, graduate or undergraduate level). Not included: passport fee, personal expenses, some meals. (11/05)

 
 
Register Now
 
Early reservations are recommended, since group size is limited and this program requires preparation time. Send your registration material to International Affairs.
 
 
Selection
 
Participants will be selected on the following factors:
  1. Matching potential with consideration given to grade level and subject area.
  2. Willingness to serve as host family for Australian exchangees (students are not obligated).
  3. Review of statement of purpose for participation.
  4. Date application received.
 
 
Application and Payment Schedule
 
Applications can be completed, printed and returned to the International Affairs Office. These applications can not be submitted by email. Thank you.

Australia Teacher Application

Australia Student Application

Applications will be accepted after the deadline only on a space available basis.Withdrawal is subject to a $150 cancellation fee plus irrecoverable costs. Cancellations must be made in writing to International Affairs.

December 15 - Registration opens -- $200 deposit
February 1 - Final deadline for application
March 15 - additional $1000 due
April 15 - balance of costs due
 
 
For Further Information
 
Program information—UNL Dept. of Educational Administration. Tel: 402/472-0972; fax 402/472-4300; e-mail: aseagren1@unl.edu

Travel or registration information—International Affairs, 420 University Terrace, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588-0221. Tel: 402/472-5358; fax 402/472-5383 e-mail: iaffairs.unl.edu
 
 
Previous participants have said:
 
"'There are so many positives! All the planning was meticulously done! My homestays provided wonderful opportunities to gain insight into the Australian way of life."

"This was a very worthwhile experience and I will be able to apply the knowledge gained in my classroom."

"A highlight of the class was the opportunity to meet, work with and learn from educators in another country."

"In addition to the rewarding educational experience, I was able to extend my visit and toured parts of Australia and New Zealand."

"This class provided an outstanding educational experience and I recommend the program to educators who wish to expand their educational horizons."