Australian Wildlife Conservation From Land to Sea
Summer '25 Applications Open
The Takeaways
Real-World Experience
Collect data on Australian wildlife on land and in water, assess threats to ecosystems, and explore measures to protect biodiversity. Come home ready to apply your sustainability insights to future studies and environmental initiatives.
Credentials for Your Future
Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, a portfolio of work to showcase a Conservation Campaign, and service-learning hours documenting your engagement with the community.
Life Skills and New Friendships
Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and improved communication skills. Enjoy a broader worldview and friends of different backgrounds from across the U.S.
45
Hours Of Expert Instruction
12
Hours Of Service-learning In The Community
1
Life-changing Experience
The Destination
Welcome to Sydney, surrounded by World Heritage wilderness areas and pristine coastlines.
Sydney’s white-sand beaches, unique ecosystems, and sustainable urban landscapes make it the perfect outdoor learning lab. Located in New South Wales, with its iconic Opera House and majestic Harbour Bridge, Sydney is Australia’s largest and most diverse city. Over one-third of its population was born overseas! The vibrant multicultural scene offers an incredible array of international restaurants and shops. Be sure to visit the bustling Paddy’s Market and sample all kinds of treats at Spice Alley!
Sydney is also home to world-class wildlife parks—excellent places to observe native Australian animals—and the Sea Life Aquarium with the largest Great Barrier Reef exhibit in the world. A third of Australia’s bird species live in the ancient rainforest of the Blue Mountains World Heritage area, one of your excursions. Another trip will take you to the region of Northern Beaches, known for its lush, green national parks, iconic beaches, and scenic coastline. Here, experience a menagerie of wildlife, vivid aquamarine waters, and seaside walks with so much natural beauty to discover!
Cultural Awareness
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Sydney.
Weekly Learning Goals
Settle into Sydney. Survey wildlife along Sydney’s coastline and identify iconic marine species. Develop an understanding of conservation strategies in coastal cities. Collect and analyze data to discover the importance of biodiversity.
Assess the effectiveness of local conservation strategies implemented in Australia. Explore the Blue Mountains and go snorkeling in the Cabbage Tree Aquatic Reserve as you investigate the effects of human activity on ecosystems.
Participate in bush regeneration with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Develop and present a report on Australia’s wildlife conservation initiatives. Discuss the role of biodiversity conservation in our daily lives, the needs of healthy ecosystems, and the needs of society.
Sample Activities
Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!
- Get up close and personal with kangaroos, koalas, and other iconic Australian marsupials. Even take a selfie with a smiling quokka.
- Bring your appetite to a beachside Aussie barbecue, a lively time for you and other Global Navigators to share food and bond with one another!
- Take a ferry to Manly Beach and visit the heritage-listed Quarantine Station at the Sydney Harbour National Park. Take in the stunning views while learning how migration has impacted the Australian environment and society.
- Wander through the eucalyptus forests of the Blue Mountains—they'll take your breath away! In this magical setting, listen to the Aboriginal legend of the Three Sisters.
- Snorkel in the Cabbage Tree Aquatic Reserve amongst 200 species of fish. Try to catch a glimpse of a dusky whaler, blue groper, eagle ray, and green turtle.
Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Week Three Excursions!
It's hard to believe HSSA 2 is in its final week in Australia, but what an incredible experience we have all had. This week started off with two fantastic days... keep reading
Exploring Australia's Aquatic Life & Experiencing the Beauty of Sydney's Renowned Beaches!
Home to over 600 marine animals, Sydney, Australia, is renowned for its beautiful bounty of beaches, rivers, bays, and harbors. Whether whale watching, snorkeling, sunbathing, or enjoying the sunrise and... keep reading
HSSA 2 got the chance to see the Sydney Opera House
On Monday we started out week two of HSSA session 2 with a visit to the Iconic Sydney Opera House. Visiting the Sydney Opera House is a magical experience for... keep reading
Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our Scholarship page.
- This program involves engaging in moderate- to high-intensity physical activities, such as hiking, snorkeling, and extended observational time outdoors. Ability to swim is not required but strongly encouraged to enjoy the program and location at its fullest.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$25
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More Questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us!
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Summer Session I 2025 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $6,450 | |
| Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $6,450 |
Ready to change your life?
What's Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Flight Chaperone
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection
24/7 Emergency On-site Support
Our Staff
Thais Oso
Regional Director of Operations South Pacific Rim
Thais is currently serving as the Center Director in Sydney and the Interim Center Director of Auckland and Melbourne