Attention Marine and Environmental Biology and Policy (MEBP) Students! Study Abroad during your Spring semester at James Cook University—rated in the top 100 in the world for environmental sciences and earth and marine sciences!
Did you know that Australia is ranked among the top 10 happiest countries in the world according to the UN’s Happiness Report? Starting the Spring 2027 semester, MEBP students can experience life in the tropical north of this country, the closest university to the Great Barrier Reef! Classes take place within the incredible ecosystems of the rainforests, dry savannahs, and the sea. With the Australian Research Council’s Centre for Excellence for Coral Reef Studies based at James Cook, this campus hosts the largest concentration of coral reef scientists in the world.
The university offers a range of courses with built-in field trip components that get you out into this incredible surrounding environment. Located in North Queensland and eight miles from Townsville’s city center in a natural bush and parkland setting, the campus is full of native Australian flora and fauna. The smaller student population allows for a friendly campus, intimate class sizes, and accessible teaching staff.
The Monmouth in Australia Signature Program includes:
- Comprehensive five-day Cultural Immersion Program before the official start of the program!
- Airport pick-up at Cairns Airport and transport to beachfront accommodations for a celebratory welcome dinner
- “Welcome to Australia Ceremony” led by a member of the local Aboriginal community
- “Australia 101” program on Aussie culture, academic differences, health and safety
- Full day Snorkel or Scuba Diving at The Great Barrier Reef—A World Heritage Site
- Learn about environmental issues and ocean life from a marine biologist working on the floating lab
- Meet iconic Aussie animals at the immersive Wildlife Habitat and feed Kangaroos and pet Koalas and marvel at crocs
- Explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest —a Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and the oldest rainforest in the world, exceeding 180 million years
- Farewell dinner featuring authentic Aussie cuisine
- Travel with the group and Bond University Advisor at the end of the program to start your study-abroad program (flight is separate).
- JCU Orientation Program
- Additional days filled with events and activities designed to help you get to know your professors, peers, and key support people and services
- Study Abroad Advising Support
- Meeting with academic advisor
- Meeting with Study Abroad advisor
- Tutoring and academic advising support at James Cook University
- Fully Vetted Housing
- On-campus dorm accommodations
- Comprehensive Health & Safety Coverage
- AIG Travel Insurance (complete coverage for anywhere you might travel during the program dates)
- 24/7 emergency support and on-site staff support
- 24/7 mental health and wellness support
- AlertTraveler
- Support from your resident director and James Cook’s International Student Support Team
- Weekly cultural and social activities around Townsville
- Spend a morning stand-up paddleboarding along the Ross River—the 30-mile-long river that winds its way through the center of Townsville.
- Visit Townsville’s famous Castle Hill, and witness a 360-degree view of the city stretching out beneath the giant pink granite monolith. Afterward, hit up Gelatissimo for ice cream.
- Come and cheer for Townsville’s professional rugby team: the North Queensland Cowboys. You have to catch this game and see this professional Australian sport in all its glory!
- Weekly coffee breaks with your resident director to discuss your experience and help you be successful
How Will Monmouth’s Global Education Office Prepare Me for Departure?
Our Pre-Departure Orientation Process includes:
- Application support and advising
- Open office hours for program inquiries and planning
- Global Education mentor/mentee program for committed study abroad students
- Two Pre-Departure Orientation meetings for students + final check-in program
- Intercultural Competence Workshop
- Pre-Departure Parent Orientation
- Bon Voyage event with prizes
What Opportunities Will I Gain as a Monmouth Study Abroad Alum?
Alumni opportunities include the following:
- “Welcome Back” lunch at Monmouth upon return
- Opportunity to become a Global Education Mentor (GEM) volunteer and tell students all about your experience
- After one semester as a GEM, you can apply for our Lead Global Education Mentor paid on-campus job
Student Housing
Designed to provide contemporary and affordable student accommodation in a secure, safe, and environmentally sustainable environment, the on-campus residence features study bedrooms in group-share accommodation, high-quality communal facilities, and a centralised, self-catered ‘master-chef’ style kitchen and dining space.
UniLodge James Cook University Halls of Residence – Burralga Yumba achieved NPAS accreditation in 2025. The National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS) is an industry-led program that is owned, governed, developed and administered by the Student Accommodation Association (SAA) to assist national education stakeholders to identify, promote and support quality managed student accommodation businesses which provide accommodation for the exclusive use of students. NPAS represents a stamp of quality, enabling students to make an informed choice about their accommodation. For a student accommodation property to be NPAS accredited, it must comply with the minimum standards set by the SAA with respect to amenity, facility, security, customer service and management processes.
