Australia

Where: New Zealand
When: Spring 1999
Program: School for International Training

Name: Heather Vanderheiden, 2000
e-mail: heathervanderhei@hotmail.com

Summary of Program: Studied the natural and human environment of New Zealand. Spent 5 weeks traveling with students and professor all around the country, staying at hostels, then 1month in a homestay, and 1 month doing an independent study project on The Past and Present of the Surfing Community in Raglan, New Zealand.

Would you recommend this program to other students?
"Yes, definitely. You get to travel all around the country, meet so many locals, have many classes outside in the forests and on beaches, and swim with dolphins for credit!"

Where: Australia
When: Spring 1999
Program: School for Field Studies

Name: Frances Baylson, 2000
e-mail: fbaylson@skidmore.edu

Summary of Program: Studied the rainforest ecology in Northern Queensland. Lived in the rainforest where they held intensive classes. Did an independent study project on The Analysis and Evaluation of the Performance of Species Timber Plantation.

Would you recommend this program to other students?
"Yes, if they are interested in rainforest ecology, field studies, or environmental economics."

Where: Australia
When: Spring 1999
Program: Beaver College at Macquarie University

Name: Jared Grodner
e-mail: jgrodner@skidmore.edu

Summary of Program: I attended school at the University with other Australian students. I traveled a lot when I had breaks from school, of which there were many. At the conclusion of my semester, I remained in Australia and took an additional 4 week Tropical Eco-system workshop. Two weeks focused on the coral reef environment, and two weeks focused on the rainforest. It was an amazing opportunity for fieldwork.

Would you recommend this program to other students?
"Yes I would recommend Beaver college's program. Beaver's program is smaller, more intimate and personalized service. The director, Chris hennessey was amazing."

Where: Samoa
When: Fall 1999
Program: School for International Training: Pacific Islands Studies

Name: Tim Karis
e-mail: timmyk50@hotmail.com

Summary of Program: I spent 4 months studying the cultures and ecologies of the Pacific Islands and learning the Samoan language. Each day we boarded a magical van that took us to amazing destinations throughout the archipelago. Perhaps the best feature of the program was the homestay, when I lived with a Samoan family for three weeks. The final month of all SIT programs is the "Independent Study Period" during which students conceive of, carry out, and present the findings of primary research. This serves as a great opportunity to do some exploring on one's own.

Would you recommend this program to other students?
"Without a doubt. Everyone should go to Samoa. The natural and human environments are both warm and friendly. I can't think of a better place to spend a semester. The program itself was well-organized and the academic director was wonderful, the perfect combination of maternal figure and Pacific Islands scholar."

Other Anthropology Students Studying in Australia:

Student	Class	Major	When?	Program
Julia Paige	2000	Socio/Anthro	Spring '99	Butler's Program at Macquarie Univ., Australia

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