Attention non Alma College students: At this time only students enrolled at Alma College may apply for admission to Alma College off-campus study programs. To submit an application directly to the University of Wollongong, visit their website at . Knowledgeable staff at the school will assist you with the application process for direct enrollment in their program or in identifying a suitable host institution as you pursue your interest in study abroad. We wish you all the best as you plan your study abroad.
Alma College students: If you're interested in obtaining more information about this or any other off-campus study location, visit Off-Campus Studies in the lower level of the Kehrl Library, next to the Registrar's Office.
Why Wollongong?
With a population of 320,000, the city of Wollongong is a large commercial, retail and industrial center. The facilities and local attractions include a modern pedestrian shopping mall, a performing arts center, a major regional art museum, bush walks historic villages and a variety of sporting facilities. The high level of ethnic diversity in Wollongong and the presence of many international students ensures a wide range of food choices in the restaurants and fast food outlets. The coastal location provides access to beautiful beaches and natural bushland.
Sydney, the site of the 2000 Olympics, is just over an hour away from Wollongong, and the national capital, Canberra can be visited in a day trip. Within walking distance of the campus are some of Australia's finest swimming and surfing beaches. Nearby national parks, the South Coast and Southern Highlands provide spectacular scenery and a variety of leisure activities.
Wollongong Application Deadline
Applications for off-campu study in the summer or fall semester are due by the second Friday of classes in February. Applications for off-campus study in the spring semester are due by the second Friday of classes in September. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Apply online atProgram Services, Prices and Dates
The School and Facilities
The University of Wollongong has developed into a multi-campus institution. The main Wollongong campus is on the original site three miles northwest of the city center and now covers an area of 204 acres with 94 permanent buildings including six student residences. The teaching, research and cultural life of the University is supported by state-of-the-art facilities, including an extensive library collection, an interactive Science Center, Conservatoire of Music and a recently extended sporting and recreation complex.
The University Recreation and Aquatic Center provide to the campus with top-class fitness and sporting facilities.
Admission Requirements
The Wollongong program is open to undergraduate students of sophomore status and above or graduates who enroll for undergraduate credit. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a four-point scale or the equivalent in order for their applications to be considered for review. Final admission is upon acceptance to the University of Wollongong as a visiting student.
Class Structure and Credits
The normal class load at Wollongong is approximately three to four classes per semester or 24 points according to the university's credit point system. A six-point course transfers as four Alma College credits and an eight-point course as five Alma College credits. Visit www.uow.edu.au/discover/courses/ to obtain course descriptions.
To become familiar with credit transfer and other relevant information, visit the OCS homepage at http://www.alma.edu/academics/international. It is important to follow proper procedures to have courses pre-approved for transfer upon completion of the program. Textbooks can be purchased at one the bookstores in the area or can be borrowed from library facilities.
Travel Documents
A passport is required for study abroad and must be valid at least 180 days beyond the last date of the program.
A student visa is required for entry into Australia. OCS will send immigration information upon acceptance to the program. The majority of students can apply online for student visas upon program acceptance. It is recommended to take personal identification such as driver's license, birth certificate or citizen certificate to Australia.
Arrival Information
Plan on arriving in Wollongong on the beginning date of the program as listed in the acceptance packet. This is the date housing becomes available. To be met at the Sydney airport, return the Airport Meeting Request Form to OCS no later than 14 days prior to departure. This form is included in the acceptance packet.
The University has a service that meets students in Sydney and delivers them to their campus residence. Participants also have the option of traveling independently to Wollongong by bus or train. Students arriving before the beginning date of the program assume responsibility for all fees associated with room, board and transportation from the airport.
Orientation
The program begins with a week-long orientation at the school. Each person is given information on academic, health and safety issues, and receives a campus tour. A short introduction to Australia and its history is provided; students formally enroll in classes, and are introduced to university facilities including the e-mail system. Though not compulsory, other activities such as a bus tour of Wollongong, a BBQ with games, and a tour of the beach and animal park are offered. In addition, the residence halls also provide their own orientation programs.
Administrative Staff
Alma College staff is available in the event of an emergency 24 hours a day. Please call 989.463.7055 to reach an OCS staff member. The Alma onsite Resident Director is Trish Tindall (61.242.213. 955). She is available throughout the program to answer any questions.
Excursions
Usually conducted on the weekends, the program currently does not conduct any organized excursions. Students generally travel with members of their residence hall, coordinating their own excursions.
Vacation
Personal travel can be done on weekends but should not interfere with class work. There are formal vacations from Sept. 26-30 and March 25 to April 30. Extended vacation plans that do not fit into these vacation periods should be conducted before or after the semester of study. Housing is available during vacation periods, although it is not always in the same room as assigned during the semester.
Computers/E-mail
The University of Wollongong has numerous computer lab locations that are Internet capable. There are Mac and PC labs on campus that are open late every day. The majority of residence halls have port access in the rooms and/or additional labs. Each person is assigned a username and password that allows access to personal accounts, e-mail, etc. at any of the sites on campus.
Transportation
Buses are the most convenient and cost- effective method of transportation and run extensively throughout the city. Wollongong also has a city rail system offering regular north and southbound services. The University of Wollongong Railway Station is a 15-minute walk from the university. Students can travel to Sydney via train for approximately AUD $13 round-trip. Purchasing or renting a bicycle is inexpensive and is an alternative method of transportation. Bikes generally cost AUD $110, and helmets are mandatory.
Housing and Meals
There are several housing options offered by the University of Wollongong. Depending on the housing option assigned, different items and services are included or excluded from the program cost.
Most of the accommodations offer 50% of their rooms to international students, allowing international students to live with Australians and students from all over the world.
The two collegiate halls are a 20-minute walk from the main campus. Both offer single or double bedroom units with all meals provided. University managed student housing is also available. Campus East, a catered hall, has single study bedrooms and shared bathrooms. Refunds are not given for meals not taken.
In the Kooloobong and Gundi self-catered flats, the kitchen and bathroom facilities are shared with 4-5 other students. The residents are responsible for their own food purchases and preparation. Students provide their own towels.
Program fees are reduced by $695 per semester if a student is assigned self catered housing.
Telephones
Wollongong has its own telephone service that allows both local and international calls. With telephone service costly, it may be worthwhile to look into discounts that a U.S. phone company can provide. If students anticipate making frequent local calls, the university telephone service is a practical way to call around the area. Students can also make personal calls from public phones with phone cards purchased locally.
In the collegiate halls a phone is located in each room. Self-catered flats also have their own telephone. Students pay an additional charge of $25 - $60 per semester for the telephone rental. This fee is not included in the program charges.
If family or friends wish to send correspondence while the student is in Australia, it's a matter of sending them the address. This is usually available one month prior to departure. Mail takes approximately three weeks to arrive.
Health Insurance
Limited health insurance is provided as a part of the program cost. It is recommended to keep existing U.S. medical insurance active while abroad to provide for continuous coverage. No refunds are given for dual coverage. A copy of the insurance policy and an insurance card is enclosed in the acceptance packet. The phone number of the MEDEX representative is listed on the insurance card.
The Australian government requires all study-abroad students to have health insurance. Each student is automatically enrolled in the Australian government's Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The cost is included in the program charges and covers basic medical expenses. Additional information on the OSHC is provided during orientation. It is recommended to keep existing U.S. medical insurance active while abroad to provide for continuous coverage while traveling.
Alma Travel Agent
Airfare is not included in the cost of the study abroad program and all students need to purchase their own plane ticket. Students may purchase ariline tickets at rates below regular airline prices using the International Student Identification Card provided with the program. STA Travel Agency provides student discounts with the card; view their website at www.statravel.com. Also available for purchase at student rates are Eurail, Britrail, and other country rail passes. Students may work with any travel agent to find airfare. Travel Jems in Midland, MI has serviced many Alma College students in the past. Call them at 877-914-6700 or email to bookmetravel@sbcglobal.net.
