Program Details
Location
Melbourne & Sydney, Australia
Term
Winter Break
Housing
Hostel
Hotel
Languages Taught In
English
Program Eligibility
Student Type
UofM Students
Non UofM Students
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
Graduate Students
GPA
2.5
About
Melbourne has been recognized as one of the most livable cities in the world in the past 10 years. Delve into the symbiotic relationship between land, city, and community, as well as the unique fusion of Aboriginal influence and sustainable design practices that created these livable spaces in Australia. Explore the principles of regenerative design through hands-on learning and document your experiences in a sketchbook. Engage with the question: “What elements make a city livable, and how can architecture, planning, and Indigenous knowledge inform more fruitful societies?”
This program will engage your intercultural learning by studying abroad with BIPOC artists, designers, and community, and bridging gaps and elevating narratives that are not generally discussed in architecture. You will be encouraged to engage with diverse communities and to foster cultural exchange.
Program Model
Housing & Meals
Live in shared housing for the duration of the program. Some meals will be provided.
Excursions
Excursions in Australia may include:
- Framlingham Farm
- Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and Fologram
- City tours of Melbourne and Sydney
- Immersive experience in Aboriginal lands
- Visit historical sights, museums, and galleries
Flight
All program participants will take the coordinated group flight to and from the program site. The cost of the group flight is included in the program fee that will be posted to your student account. Do not book your own flight; you will receive information from the Learning Abroad Center about your seat on the group flight once your participation has been confirmed.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop independence by challenging yourself in a new environment
- Function as an effective team member by utilizing your personal strengths in a group setting
- Explore a specific topic through experiential and interdisciplinary approaches
Faculty & Staff
This program is led by Chango Cummings, a professor in the College of Design at the University of Minnesota.
Program Structure
Program Level
3000-level coursework
Courseload
One 3-credit course
Global Seminars are 3-week study abroad programs led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff that feature:
- Intensive learning in a location that illuminates the topic
- Small groups of 15–25 students
- No prerequisites or language requirements
- Included excursions and cultural activities
- Instruction in English
Coursework
You will be assessed on regular documentation of research, observations, and reflections in a sketchbook, the ability to demonstrate research through hand models, the development of a written thesis based on experiences, active engagement in excursions and group activities, and a final presentation showcasing your findings.
Group discussions and reflections will provide a platform for you to share and learn from your varied experiences and from others in the group. In addition, the involvement of local partners will facilitate direct interactions with communities, promoting deeper conversations and cross-cultural connections.
Receive credit for: DES 3196
Livable Cities: Design & Culture in Australia syllabus (pdf)
Sustainability
The Learning Abroad Center is committed to sustainability and incorporating this into its programs. This course can be tied to Sustainable Development Goals through course content and program activities including:
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities—You will explore what makes a livable city and how to make urban innovation more sustainable. You will contribute to the creation of cities that prioritize sustainability, social inclusivity, and overall well-being.
SGD 13: Climate Action—You will learn about what the construction industry is doing to reduce carbon emissions in building practices and research more sustainable architectural practices, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions.
Academic Registration
If confirmed, you will be registered for your course by the Learning Abroad Center once registration opens for your term abroad. Make sure you have no holds that would prevent registration.
If you haven't already, communicate with your academic adviser(s) as applicable to review the course for your major, minor, or college requirements. University of Minnesota students should use the Academic Planning Form (PDF), located on your confirmation checklist.
Dates Details
Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:
| Term | Program Dates | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Break 2024–2025 | December 28, 2024–January 18, 2025 | October 15, 2024 |
Program dates are subject to change.
If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.
Important Note: Enrollment on this program is limited to 25 students. Admission is granted on a rolling basis and applications are reviewed in the order they are completed. Some programs may fill to capacity prior to the application deadline, therefore applying early is recommended. Additionally, applying early will allow for more time to plan ahead and prepare for the program.
Information Sessions
Join in-person or over Zoom. Register and learn more about this and other events on our events page.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, Sept. 23 | 12:00 p.m. | Zoom only |
| Thursday, Sept. 26 | 12:00 p.m. | Hybrid Zoom & Heller Hall 230C |
Orientation Dates & Locations
The Learning Abroad Center facilitates a pre-departure orientation in collaboration with your program leader(s) in addition to any additional orientation sessions scheduled by your program leader(s). It is your responsibility to know the information shared at these orientations.
Orientation consists of several sessions, all of which are created to support your preparation to go abroad:
- Online Health & Safety Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory.
- LAC Seminar Pre-departure Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory. The discussion post is due before your LAC Program Orientation meeting.
- LAC Program Orientation: Program details and important UofM information will be covered (finances, health & safety, policies, insurance, etc.). This will be scheduled in collaboration with your program leader(s). Details will be sent to you via email from the LAC and/or your program leader(s). This is a mandatory meeting. **For embedded programs, this will likely be one of your class dates prior to departure.**
- Program Leader Orientation(s): Your program leader(s) will schedule 1–3 additional orientation sessions prior to departure. These will cover academic requirements and preparation, final travel and program logistics, cultural knowledge, and more. Details will be sent to you via email from your program leader(s). These are mandatory meetings. **For embedded programs, these will likely be included in your class dates prior to departure.**
The Learning Abroad Center also offers 2 optional orientations:
Priority Deadline
If you apply by the priority deadline and confirm within the allotted time you will receive the published program fee. Applying after the priority deadline and/or not confirming within the allotted time means you may be subject to an airfare increase.
Fees
Winter Break 2025 Cost of Participation
The cost of participation includes educational costs, group flight airfare, program administration, housing, some meals, international health insurance, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, and local transportation. Program fees can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions. You must also budget for visa, passport and passport photos, meals not included, spending money, and miscellaneous living expenses.
Recent increases in international airfare and accommodation costs have impacted all instructor-led program fees. The LAC strives to follow best practices to provide the lowest cost program while ensuring a quality academic experience.
Additional funding and scholarship opportunities
A limited number of additional funding opportunities for students with demonstrated financial need are available for this program, courtesy of the Global Programs and Strategy Alliance. Five $1000 scholarships will be awarded after the confirmation deadline for the program. You must confirm your place in the program no later than October 22, 2024 to be considered. Financial need will be determined by the Learning Abroad Center and Office of Student Finance. You do not need to submit an application to be considered for this scholarship. Email Anna DeWitt at [email protected] with questions.
Billing & Payments
Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.
This program is considered part of spring enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.
Bridging Loan
For Winter Break Programs:
Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the confirmation deposit and/or flights cost, is available for this program for eligible students going abroad during an eligible term.
Cancellation Policy
Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.
Winter Break 2025
Global Seminar: Livable Cities: Design & Culture in AustraliaWinter Break 2025 |
|
|---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
| Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
| Tuition and educational costs | $5,320 |
| International health insurance | $46 |
| Housing and/or mealsShared housing, plus daily breakfast in Melbourne and Warrnambool and two group meals | $1,034 |
| Transportation (if required and included in program fee)Group flight | $1,595 |
| Total Program Fee | $8,395 |
| Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $-500 |
| Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $7,895 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
| Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad. | |
| Transportation to and from program site | $0 |
| Passport/photos | $150 |
| Visa/required documentsElectronic Travel Authority application cost for US citizens (students traveling on non-US passports may be required to pay a different fee) | $20 |
| Travel clinic/immunizations*Optional travel clinic visit | $20 |
| Housing deposit | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $190 |
| Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | |
| Texts/materialsSketch books and pencils required for academic assignments | $20 |
| Housing and/or meals not included in program feeOther meals not included in the program fee | $500 |
| Essential daily living expensesInternational cellphone plan charges and misc. expenses | $300 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $820 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
| Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $8,905 |
| Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $200 |
| Additional Notes & Information | |
| * Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage. | |
Prepare
Be aware: Learning Abroad Center programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.
Apply
The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.
You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.
Complete
After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:
- Application Essay
Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.
If you do not meet the GPA requirement for this program you will be required to submit an additional essay. It will be added to your checklist after you start your application, and you will be notified when it has been added.
Next Steps
- After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
- Your completed application will be reviewed by the Learning Abroad Center.
- If admitted, the Confirmation & Payment Agreement form will be added to your checklist. Complete this form to secure your spot on the program. By submitting the form, you also give your approval for the program deposit to be billed to your UofM student account.
- Complete the confirmation checklist, which include the following items in additional to program-specific forms:
- Passport Information
- Emergency Contacts
- Health Information Form
- Online Health & Safety Orientation
- Release & Waiver
- You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.
After You Apply
Before your program begins, review these resources.
Health & Safety
Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.
Power of Attorney
Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.
Student Identity
Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.
Travel Resources
Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.
Program Contact
For further information or questions about this program, send an email to
Anna DeWitt at [email protected],
or call at
612.626.2234