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EDUCATION ABROAD

Edith Cowan University
USF Semester Exchange
15 Weeks Fall: July - Nov. / Spring: March - June


Program Overview

Semester exchange programs allow students the opportunity earn USF college credit from a diverse set of subject abroad, while still paying an equivalent to USF cost. Students are enrolled abroad and take class, live, and socialize with local British and other international students, gaining a truly enriching experience and in-depth cultural immersion for 1 - 2 semesters.

Exchange programs are the most competitive and students are encouraged to begin the application process early to better focus on their personal statement and gather the needed recommendations.

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Location

Perth is situated with the Indian Ocean on one side and huge deserts on the other. A vibrant city set in the midst of stunning natural beauty, it is located on the Swan River in southern Western Australia (WA). Scenic Perth claims to be the most isolated city in the world and the sunniest city in Australia.

With a population of about 1,000,000 it has all the benefits of a big city with fewer problems. Perth is similar to Sydney, but possibly even more relaxed due to its small size. The beach culture is heavily present with famous Cottesloe Beach amongst the most beautiful of any city beach in the world. Cottesloe claims to be responsible for more than a million dollars lost productivity every day, due to workers calling in sick.

Official City website: http://www.cityofperth.wa.gov.au/

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Host Institution

In 1902, Edith Cowan University began as a teaching college. Edith Cowan University's origins go back to 1902 when it began as a teaching college. Today it is Western Australia's second largest university with approximately 23,000 students. Edith Cowan University is located in Perth, Western Australia, a gateway to Asia, and is the only Australian University names after a woman- Edith Dircksey Cowan. As a contemporary university, ECU provides top-notch tertiary education for the students. They believe in putting what the student has learned into practice, and their courses are focused around real-life situations to real-life problems. With over 300 courses, ECU offers the flexibility and freedom to match your own talents and aspirations with a wide range of course options to give you the skills and knowledge to reach your goals.

ECU Main Page: http://ecu.edu.au

International Exchange Page: http://www.ecu.edu.au/international/studyabroad/index.html

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Academic Program and Course Information

With programs ranging from Criminology and Law to Surf Sciences and Coastal/Marine Management ECU takes full advantage of it's unique location in Western Australia to bring academics and student life in harmony. Students can choose from regular courses offered to Australian students or select a few specifically to help visiting international students learn more about Australia and the local area. Home to the Western Australian Academy of Perform Arts, it is an ideal choice for students of music, dance, and theatre.

Please note: In Australia, your major is called your "course" and your classes are called "units."

For a list of all courses (majors) offered:
http://www.reachyourpotential.com.au/futurestudents/courses/browse.php

For a searchable database of units (classes):
http://simo.ecu.edu.au/ecudev_calprod/viewsemtable.jsp

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Faculty

All courses taught by ECU faculty.

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Program Costs

The exchange program is a flat fee in the amount of $1935

This fee includes:

  • Instructional fees
  • USF Administrative fees
  • Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation Insurance

Not included:

  • Airfare
  • Housing abroad (arranged with and paid to host school)
  • Meals
  • Additional travel or medical insurance
  • Any transportation fees
  • Passport and Visa fees
  • Any additional or personal expenses

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Living Arrangements

ECU offers on-campus housing as well as temporary housing for students arriving early. Exchange students also attend an arrival reception prior to beginning their orientation program. For more information see the ECU International accommodation portal:

http://www.ecu.edu.au/international/studentsupport/accommodation.html

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Who Can Participate?

Students must be at least of sophomore standing when they attend, but may apply as freshman.

Graduating seniors may not participate in their last semester as program dates and processing time would delay their intended graduation. 

All majors are welcomed.

A 2.75 GPA minimum is considered competitive for consideration.

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How to Apply 

Deadlines:

For fall semester: Feb. 15 the academic year prior.

For spring semester: Sept. 15 of the same academic year.

Please see the fall and spring semester application instructions on our website for more details: http://global.usf.edu/educationabroad/out-howtoapply.php

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How and When to Pay

If selected, students will receive an acceptance letter from the USF Education Abroad Office along with an invitation to complete the host school's application materials.

A $500 deposit is due with two-weeks to hold this offer. $300 is non-refundable unless the program is canceled or the student is not accepted by the host school.

The remaining balance is due at the beginning of the semester.

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Getting There

Students are asked to not purchase an tickets until they receive an acceptance letter from the host school overseas. This letter will have details on orientation dates and arrival airports.

Students are responcible for arranging their own flights and transportation to the host school.

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Medical Insurance and Travel Documentation

USF provides program participants with sickness/accident and emergency medical evacuation insurance valid for the dates of the program.  Those who will travel independently, either in advance of the program or after the program ends, must ensure that they have insurance coverage valid outside the U.S.  The USF Card Center sells the International Student ID (ISIC) card which has a health insurance benefit in addition to providing student discounts overseas.  For information, call the Card Center at (813) 974-2357 or visit the office located in the Marshall Center on the USF Tampa campus.

Every program participant MUST have a passport, valid 6 months from the date of travel.

Students will be prompted by the host school to apply for their student visas. More information can be found: http://www.immi.gov.au/

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Financial Aid and Scholarship Funding

Students who are eligible for loans and grants to take classes at USF may be able to use their assistance to study abroad.  USF students should contact the University of South Florida Office of Financial Aid (813) 974-4700 or visit http://usfweb2.usf.edu/finaid/other/alternative_enrollment_guide.htm

USF degree-seeking students may apply for partial scholarship assistance through the Education Abroad Office.  Application deadlines apply.  Visit the Education Abroad office to obtain a Compass Study Abroad Scholarship brochure and application form, or access: http://global.usf.edu/educationabroad 

Guide to Semester Paperwork: Click here to download

Wondering what a Verification of Enrollment should look like?
Click here to download and sample letter

Having issues? Click here for Troubleshooting 101

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Safety & Health

Participants’ safety and wellbeing are paramount to USF.  Because of the added stresses associated with operating in a foreign culture and language, even the safest foreign locations are likely to carry more risk to your safety and health.  For this reason it is vital that you learn as much about the places you will be traveling to; the more you are familiar with the host country’s geography, culture and language, the safer you will be.  All participants will be required to attend a general study abroad orientation as well as program-specific orientations.  In addition to these sessions, you should consult the USF Safety Website as well as the websites listed below that provide useful information regarding your host country, and preparation for your international travel. 

Personal Safety:

Additional information will be provided to registered participants, but we encourage you to consult the following websites as soon as possible. 

 USF Education Abroad Safety Website: http://global.usf.edu/educationabroad/out-safety.php

Country Information Sheets:
US Department of State:
Country Specific Information: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1006.html#crime

Preparing for your trip: http://studentsabroad.state.gov/html-site/StudentAbroadHome.html

To gain a different perspective on safety, you may want to visit other countries Foreign Travel Websites.  As a point of comparison, we encourage you to see what these sites say about safety in U.S. cities:

Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/menu-eng.asp#C

Health and Fitness Requirements
The majority of USF’s study abroad programs involve a great deal of walking, and in some cases hiking and trekking.  The USF in Argentina program is a largely resident-based program.  Nevertheless, students will be required to climb stairs, and walk a great deal, even if taking public transportation.   If you have any concerns regarding your health (mental or physical), please consult your doctor, and the staff of Education Abroad prior to the program! 

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC's Internet site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) web site at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

Travel & Health Links:
• Travel Health Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Travel Health Information from the Food and Drug Administration
• Travel Health Information from the World Health Organization

Hillsborough County Health Department Travel Clinic Website: http://www.hillscountyhealth.org/immunizations/travel.htm

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Cancellation and Refund Policy

Once deposit has been paid, $300 is non-refundable.  The $200 remainder of deposit is only refundable if the funds can be recovered from the program host institution.  After balance of payment due date, no money may be refunded.  Once the program has started, no refund will be given for unused features or services due to early withdrawal from the program. Trip cancellation insurance is recommended.  If USF must cancel the program, all program fees paid will be refunded.

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Special Terms

Students should review carefully the Education Abroad Participant Contract, included in the Education Abroad application packet.  It describes students’ responsibilities with regard to participation, and includes information on insurance, and cancellation and refund policies. Students will be asked to sign this document.  Access: http://global.usf.edu/educationabroad to view it.

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Contacts for More Information

Questions regarding study abroad, program enrollment, registration and payment of fees
Rene Sanchez
Education Abroad Office, International Affairs (loc. CPR 468)
University of South Florida 4202 E. Fowler Ave., CPR107
Tampa, Florida 33620-5550
Phone: (813) 974-3104 Fax: (813) 974-4613
email: rsanchez@iac.usf.edu

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