Queensland Exchange Program

• Background
• Location Information
• Program Dates
• Host Institution
• Academic Information
• Academic Disciplines
• Credit Transfer Information
• Eligibility Requirements
• Program Costs
• Housing and Meals
• Insurance
• Extracurricular Activities
• Climate
• VISA & Passport Information
• Your Next Steps
• Experiences of Former Students
• Contact Details

BACKGROUND
Georgia Tech (GT) has developed a number of overseas programs around the globe. These programs provide students with the opportunity to complete a portion of their academic programs in top-notch foreign universities that are partnered with GT. As a result of immersion in a foreign academic and cultural environment, students have the maximum opportunity to learn to operate effectively in an atmosphere that is wholly different from that of GT and the U.S.

LOCATION INFORMATION
Australia
The Commonwealth of Australia is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the world's smallest continent and a number of islands in the Southern, Indian and Pacific Oceans. Australia's neighboring countries include Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea to the north, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and the French dependency of New Caledonia to the northeast, and New Zealand to the southeast. The continent of Australia has been inhabited for over 40,000 years by Indigenous Australians. After sporadic visits by fishermen from the north and by European explorers and merchants starting in the 17th century, the eastern half of the continent was claimed by the British in 1770 and officially settled as the penal colony of New South Wales on 26 January 1788. As the population grew and new areas were explored, another five largely self-governing British Crown Colonies were successively established over the course of the 19th century. On 1 January 1901, the six colonies federated and the Commonwealth of Australia was formed. Since federation, Australia has maintained a stable liberal democratic political system and remains a Commonwealth Realm. The current population of around 20.4 million is concentrated mainly in the large coastal cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide.

Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital of Queensland, Australia’s “Smart State”, and is widely known as the country’s most livable city. It is Australia’s fastest-growing capital with a population of more than 1.8 million and offers a safe, friendly, multicultural environment. Brisbane is considered one of the major business hubs in Australia. Most major Australian and international companies have a contact office in Brisbane. Many electronics companies also take advantage of the strategic port and airports by choosing to have distribution hubs in the city. The inner city is characterized by the Brisbane River, parklands, convention facilities, museums, art galleries, a casino, malls, shopping districts and a host of cosmopolitan restaurants and cafés. The golden beaches and fun parks of the Gold Coast are just an hour’s drive south. The beautiful Sunshine Coast beaches lie a short drive to the north, along with National Parks, rainforests and attractions such as Australia Zoo. Brisbane’s reputation as a friendly, modern city makes it a popular tourist destination.

PROGRAM DATES
PROGRAM DATES
Fall Term: late July - mid November (Second Semester)
Spring Term: early March - late June (First Semester)
Academic Year: late July - late June

NOTE: Students may participate in this program for the fall, spring, or for a full academic year.

YEAR PROGRAM STARTED:
2009

HOST INSTITUTION ACADEMIC INFORMATION
The University of Queensland has nearly 100 years experience in tertiary education. UQ ranked 43rd in the World University Rankings, compiled by the Times Higher Education Supplement in November 2008. UQ is a founding member of the Group of Eight (Go8) – a leading group of Australian universities that collectively enrolls one-third of all university students and conducts 70 percent of all university research in Australia. Go8 graduates boast a full-time employment rate almost five percent above that of other Australian universities. The University has gone from strength to strength, winning more national teaching awards than any other university in the history of the awards, as well as obtaining a 100 percent success rate in the Carrick Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning, which recognize teaching excellence in higher education. UQ also boasts more than 2400 highly qualified academic staff dedicated to teaching and research, many of whom are recognized internationally as leaders in their fields. Flexible learning is part of the University’s overall strategy to deliver an enhanced, student-centered approach to learning by applying the most effective, flexible and appropriate teaching and learning modes and technologies. UQ students enjoy the sense of community of its cosmopolitan campuses, renowned as among the most beautiful and well-equipped in Australia. The first-rate facilities and packed annual programs of social and recreational activities make studying at UQ a balanced and enjoyable experience.

ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES

Subject Areas Available:

• Accounting
• Aerospace Engineering
• Architecture
• Biology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
• Chemistry
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
• Economics
• Electrical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• History, Technology, and Society
• International Affairs
• Literature, Communication, and Culture
• Management
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Modern Languages
• Music
• Philosophy, Science, and Technology
• Physics
• Psychology
• Public Policy
• Sociology

 

Language Information

All courses are taught in English.

Course Information

For detailed course information (valid for the 2010 school year): click here. Course listings can also be found under individual majors listed at click here.

For detailed course information from 2009 and earlier, click here. (Students may refer to this archived catalog for planning purposes or to get an idea of what courses have been offered in previous years.)

A normal course load is 8 units (4 courses) per semester.

Campus Information

Almost all exchange students study at UQ's St. Lucia campus. Please take note of which UQ campus a course is being offered at when searching the course catalog.

CREDIT TRANSFER INFORMATION
Credit for courses taken as part of GT exchange programs is added as transfer credit on the GT transcript. Since it is important to know which kind of credit students will earn abroad as soon as possible, GT requires that courses be pre-approved for transfer. With a Foreign Credit Approval Form (available from OIE) in hand, and the credit transfer system information (listed below), students should submit course descriptions to the appropriate academic unit to request their approval. If taking Math classes, for example, then the student should go to the GT School of Mathematics to get permission for the courses to transfer to GT. If approved, the GT School of Mathematics signs the Foreign Credit Approval Form showing how the courses will transfer so that students will know which type of credit they should expect to receive.

For detailed credit transfer instructions click here
For the Foreign Credit Approval Form click here

CREDIT TRANSFER SYSTEM
This information is intended for undergraduates students only. Graduate students must speak with their academic unit to determine the acceptance of transfer credits.

UQ uses the following credit transfer system:
1 UQ unit = 1.92 GT credit
2 UQ units (typical course) = 3.84 GT credits

GRADING SYSTEM
UQ uses the following grading system listed below:
UQ Grade = US Grade
85-100% (7, High Distinction) = A
75-84% (6, Distinction) = A
65-74% (5, Credit) = B
50-64% (4, Pass) = C
46-49% (3, Fail) = D
30-45% (2, Fail) = F
29% or under (1, Serious Fail) = F

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Eligible students must meet the following criteria:

• Georgia Tech degree-seeking undergraduate student
• 3.0 GPA or higher
• undergraduates complete at least two semesters of college-level study prior to participation
• at least 18 years of age by the program's departure date
• enroll in 12 or more credit hours at the host institution and earn a C or higher for each course
• international students (non-US citizens) may have additional requirements set by the overseas university
• all students must have completed all the prerequisites for any courses they wish to take
  

PROGRAM COSTS
Keep in mind the costs of books, health insurance, food, living expenses, and travel money, as well as pre-departure costs like your passport and visa. In general, Brisbane is less expensive than Sydney, but you will want to devise and use a budget.

The currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Exchange rates fluctuate, so check the newspaper or click here for the most current rates.

DON'T FORGET TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS!! See the OIE web site for more info: click here

Following are cost estimates for one fee-paying semester at UQ that may help you prepare for your term(s) abroad. All costs are in USD.

In State Tuition	$3,035
Out of State Tuition	$3,285
GT Mandatory Fees	$818
Books and Supplies	$360
Administrative and/or Application fees	$0
Miscellaneous (includes passport/visa fees, required field trips, local transportation and incidentals)	$1,300
Roundtrip Airfare	$1,600
Room and Board	$7,000
Additional Language Instruction	$0
Mandatory Insurance	$180
Total	$14,293 (in state)
	$14,543 (out of state)

*Costs in the preceding chart are estimates for undergraduates. Actual costs may be higher or lower than those listed above, depending on the exchange rate and personal spending habits/needs.

HOUSING AND MEALS
Housing

• off-campus student housing or rental houses
• on-campus residential colleges

Off-campus student housing

More than 90 percent of UQ students live off-campus. Independent providers (not part of UQ) offer a variety of housing custom-built for students. Some follow a residential, college-style arrangement, while self-catering houses and unit complexes are also available. Applications for this style of housing should be submitted online directly to the provider. Refer to the off-campus housing page or contact Accommodation Services for advice. Share houses and apartments are the most common form of student housing, allowing students to save on costs and develop friendships. Houses are generally shared by three or more students, with weekly rent ranging from about AUD$100 to AUD$150 per person. Apartments are usually smaller and are generally shared by two people. Weekly rent also ranges from about AUD$100 to AUD$150 per person. An online database of share and vacant rental accommodation available to UQ students is located at http://accommodation.uq.edu.au/offcampus/accommodation. However, it is strongly advised that rental housing only be arranged once students have arrived in Brisbane. Most students interested in rental accommodation will book airport reception and temporary accommodation, then look for long-term rental housing during their first few days in Brisbane. It is recommended that students interested in rental accommodation arrive in Brisbane a few weeks prior to the commencement of classes in order to secure suitable accommodation and settle in.

On-campus residential colleges

More than 2350 students live on-campus in 10 residential colleges at UQ St Lucia. Colleges generally provide individual bedrooms (usually with shared bathrooms), meals, laundry facilities, and common social and recreation spaces. They may also offer academic tutorials, pastoral care and religious observance (in those founded by churches). A few provide self-catered accommodation, including Cromwell College (Campus Lodge), International House, and Women’s College. Students are part of a close-knit community and are encouraged to experience the range of cultural, social and sporting activities that are part of college life. All colleges accept applications regardless of students’ religious affiliations or views, although some give priority to students committed to the college ethos. Most colleges charge fees annually or per semester and students are expected to stay for the full period. Fees usually cover only the 33-36 week academic teaching period. Many students prefer to return home during vacations. In some cases, it is possible to remain at college during vacations for a weekly fee. Students can usually move into the college on arrival. In most cases, it is difficult to enter a college during the year, but some mid-year vacancies are available. On-campus accommodation is in high demand. Students should apply directly to the appropriate college as soon as they have received an offer to avoid disappointment. Application forms are available directly from colleges or via the Accommodation Services website. Applicants are advised to consider a second option in the event college accommodation is not available.

Meals

• No meal plan
• on-campus dining

Because Queensland is a thriving multicultural community, there is a wide variety of food from most parts of the world. There are three refectories (cafeterias) at UQ St Lucia, providing a variety of menus to suit all tastes. UQ St Lucia students also have access to six cafés, a noodle and sushi bar, an ice-creamery, juice bar, pizza cafe, sweets shop and the Red Room bistro. The wide variety of foods available consist of light snacks, Asian noodles, vegetarian dishes, pizza, kebabs, burgers, BBQs, sushi, sandwiches, cakes and hot lunches.

INSURANCE
Students are required to purchase OSHC insurance from UQ. The cost is approximately $155 per semester. Students are also required to purchase additional evacuation and repatriation coverage for $25 through OIE.

If you would like to purchase supplementary health insurance to cover you while you travel, you may purchase insurance through T.W. Lord and Associates. Click here for more information.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Students can try different activities and participate in social events by joining clubs and societies at UQ. Many clubs and societies have been formed by people with a wide range of interests, hobbies and backgrounds and contribute to the color and diversity of UQ campus life. Clubs range from academic-based groups such as Women and the Law, to groups for international students such as the African Student Association and social interest groups such as the Electronic Artists Society. UQ Sport manages the extensive sporting facilities at the University of Queensland, which includes the St Lucia, Gatton, Herston and Ipswich campuses. Finally, students can stimulate their senses by taking part in the varied cultural pursuits available on-campus at UQ. The School of Music presents regular performances by students, staff and guest artists. Students can enjoy discounted or free concerts by The University of Queensland’s orchestras, bands and choirs. The University is home to many significant museum collections, including the Anatomy Museum, Antiquities Museum, UQ Art Museum, and the Customs House Art Gallery.

CLIMATE
Brisbane has a subtropical climate. Summer is December to February; Autumn is March to May;
Winter is June to August; and Spring is September to November. Summer maximum average temperatures are around 29° celsius (84° Fahrenheit). The average maximum daytime temperature in winter is around 21° celsius (70° Fahrenheit). People are advised to wear hats, cool clothing that protects from the sun and maximum UV-protection (30+) sunscreen during summer. A long-sleeved jacket and warm clothes will be necessary during the early morning and evening in winter.

VISA AND PASSPORT INFORMATION
Complete information about how to apply for or renew a U.S. passport is available from the GT Office of International Education or online

Participants must have a valid passport and student visa. For Australian student visa instructions and forms click here and click here. Study abroad students going to Australia are required to purchase the OSHC insurance in order to obtain an Australian visa.

YOUR NEXT STEPS
To begin the process of participating in this exchange, please do the following:

• Attend an exchange program information session. For dates visit: click here. If you are unable to attend, please make an appointment with the OIE staff member listed below.
• Download the OIE Exchange and Study/Work Abroad Application instructions at click here and submit the completed application by the appropriate deadline.
• Deadlines: Fall/academic year/summer applications are generally due in mid-February. Spring applications are generally due in early-September or early-October. Specifics are listed in the application packet.
• Visit the host institution's course information link located under "academic disciplines". Print course descriptions of all the courses of interest that you believe will fit into your GT academic plan.
• Make an appointment with your Academic Advisor to review course options, bring course descriptions to help.
• If you need to get or renew a passport, you should start that process now! Passport information is online: click here.
• For financial aid information click here
• For scholarship information click here
  

EXPERIENCES OF FORMER STUDENTS
Click here

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms. Jennifer Evanuik, Study Abroad Advisor (Exchange Programs)
GT Office of International Education
631 Cherry Street
Savant Building, Suite 211
Atlanta, GA 30332-0284
Phone: (404)894-7475 Fax: (404)894-9682
E-mail: jennifer.evanuik@oie.gatech.edu
OIE web site: click here

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