2010 University of Wisconsin-Stout
Early Childhood Student Teacher
Summer Program to Australia
Saturday May 29—Saturday July 3
Southern Cross University. Lismore NSW 2480 Australia Phone: +61 +2 66 26 9271
Project Director: Marilyn Chaseling marilyn.chaseling@scu.edu.au School of Education,
A unique educational and cultural experience
In this program, UWS students
undertake a five-week placement in
an Australian Early Childhood Centre,
cultural experiences and homestay
accommodation in a carefully screened
and selected Australian family. The
program is organised and supervised
by staff from the School of Education at
Southern Cross University (SCU).
Where is Southern Cross
University?
SCU is an Australian government
university with an international
reputation for excellence in both
teaching and research. It is an
innovative and technologically
advanced university offering students a
high quality education and outstanding
facilities. SCU’s three campuses span
the eastern coast of Australia from the
Tweed Gold Coast, inland to Lismore
and to Coffs Harbour in the south. The
UWS Summer program will operate out
of the Lismore campus with students
placed in Early Childhood Centres in
and around Lismore. More information
about SCU can be found at
http://www.scu.edu.au
Located to take full advantage of both
the rainforest and the Pacific Ocean,
the area around Lismore has a warm
climate that allows students to make
the most of their leisure time and an
opportunity to study in an environment
of unsurpassed natural beauty with
some of Australia’s best beaches,
rainforest and countryside. The famous
coastal town of Byron Bay, the most
easterly point of mainland Australia,
is only 35 minutes drive north east. The
equally famous Gold Coast tourist strip
is within easy driving distance offering
access to many recreational facilities
such as Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary,
Sea World, Dreamworld and numerous
shopping venues.
What is the climate like?
The Australian winter is from May to
September. The area around SCU has a mild
winter rather like southern California; the
average maximum winter temperature is 73oF,
the average minimum is 50oF. During previous
UWS programs students have needed light
long sleeved shirts and slacks or skirts, with a
jacket for nights. Casual clothing and covered
shoes are worn at Early Childhood Centres;
hats are required when outdoors.
Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo
Brisbane
2008 Draft Program
Sat May 30
Arrive at Ballina airport. Met by SCU staff.
Meet homestay families
Sun May 31
Free day with homestay family
Mon May 31
Orientation & excursion to Centres
Tues June 1 - Fri June 4
Early Childhood Centre placement
Sat June 5 - Sun June 6
Free weekend
Mon June 7 - Fri June 11 Early Childhood Centre placement
Sat June 12 - Sun June 13 Free weekend
Mon June 14 - Fri June 18
Sat June 19 - Sun June 20
Mon June 21 - Fri June 25
Sat June 26 - Sun June 27
Mon June 28 - Sun July 2
Sat July 3
Early Childhood Centre placement
Free weekend
Early Childhood Centre placement
Free weekend
Early Childhood Centre placement; evaluation
& debriefing; farewell lunch
Depart Ballina airport for flight to Sydney
Tweed Gold Coast
Byron Bay
Lismore
Coffs Harbour
View of Lennox Head
Program includes
• Airport transfers to and from Ballina
airport at the beginning and conclusion
of the SCU program
• 5 week homestay accommodation (May
29—July 3) with a carefully screened
and selected Australian family, 3 meals
per day and transport to and from
program venues
• 5 week professional placement in an
Early Childhood Centre supervised by
SCU staff
• Visit to elementary school and a range
of early childhood centres
• Overall program supervised by
experienced SCU staff
Comments from previous
UWS students
Free weekends to explore
‘I have learned so much during my time
in Australia. I had a great experience and
hope to go back some day’.
• World famous Byron Bay, the most
easterly point on mainland Australia.
‘I have gained so many friendships,
memories and experiences that I’ll keep
with me always’.
‘I learned about a new culture and grew as
a teacher and as a person’.
‘I have gained positive teaching strategies
from my placement as well as meeting new
people who I will stay in contact with’.
• Local beaches
http://www.byron-bay.com
• Local Markets
• Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast
with miles of surf beaches, world
famous theme parks and plenty of
shopping
http://www.verygoldcoast.com.au/
N.B. Excursion costs are met by students.
After the SCU program
students have the
opportunity to visit Sydney,
Australia’s largest city.
Famous sites include:
Queen Victoria Building,
Bondi Beach, Sydney
Harbour, the Sydney Opera
House, Sydney Harbour
Bridge, Olympic Park,
the Rocks, Manly, Darling
Harbour, Paddy’s Market.
http://www.sydneyregion.
com/photo_gallery_all.
html
All information is correct at
November 26, 2009. Every
effort will be made to adhere
to this program, on occasions
unforeseen circumstances
result in the need for some
details to be changed.
CRICOS provider number:
0124