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Stanford’s program in Australian Coastal Studies offers a unique opportunity to learn about Australian culture while studying the enormous diversity of coral reefs and rainforests. This program is ideal for students interested in environmental and ecological science and policy.

In collaboration with the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Queensland, Overseas Studies enrolls up to 48 students in a prearranged set of courses in marine biology and ecology of the Great Barrier Reef and the coastal rainforest, as well as an introduction to Australian Studies. This program is mobile and during the quarter, faculty members will lead students from The University of Queensland’s campus in Brisbane, to research stations on the Great Barrier Reef and Moreton Bay, to K’gari the world’s largest sand island, and around the iconic city of Sydney. Students will also have opportunities to earn WAYS requirements!

Learn More about the BOSP Australia Program

Photo: Feeding the wallabies at Sheoak Ridge
Katelyn Tynan, Econ Major

Katelyn Tynan, Feeding the wallabies at Sheoak Ridge. BOSP Australia.

Watch the BOSP Australia 2017 cohort's experiences in Cairns, Far North Queensland, Heron Island, Sydney, North Stradbroke Island, and Brisbane.

Student Ambassadors

share their first-hand experiences about the program, what led them to choose the program, and some of the challenges they faced while studying abroad. Dive deeper into 'a day in the life' while abroad, as a particular student experience may help you decide if this program is right for you.

What I Did in Australia

Tamara Mekler, Australia, Autumn 2015-16
Autumn 2017-18

Shriya Das, Human Biology

I felt as though this program would expose me to parts of the Australian continent that I would never be able to explore as a mere tourist. Additionally, the hands-on fieldwork integrated into each class seemed like an incredible way to learn about Australia and its ecology. I had always wanted to visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Australia program allowed us to spend 2 weeks right on the Reef, 2 hours away from the mainland, snorkeling in a coral cay with enormous biodiversity.