Program Overview

University of Wisconsin-Stout students in any major have an opportunity to gain international experience studying and traveling in Australia while earning credit toward their degree program. Southern Cross University has about 6,000 full and part-time students including students from many different countries. Located in the commercial hub of culturally rich and rapidly developing northern New South Wales, Lismore campus is only a thirty-five minute drive from iconic Byron Bay. The campus has been designed to blend with the surrounding countryside, providing state-of-the-art facilities in a tranquil, harmonious learning environment. The adjacent rain forest and coast provide natural laboratories for research activities. An outdoor activities field trip is also included in the program. Field trip choices range from camping in the outback to staying overnight on a sand island.

The Lismore campus houses the majority of the University's academic facilities, electronic information services and state-of-the-art library. It provides the full range of recreational facilities expected by students including access to email, sports facilities, and residence halls. Additionally, the SCU International Office provides regular excursions to the nearby beaches, rain forests, the Outback, the Gold Coast and other areas so students can deepen their experience with the Australian culture.

Location                                                                                                                                                 Southern Cross University is located in the semitropical city of Lismore, (population 45,000) New South Wales about one hour by airplane from Sydney and Brisbane. The surrounding hills are dotted with historical villages and rustic hamlets. Nearby is Nimbin, site of the Aquarius Festival and the 'spiritual home' of Australia's alternative lifestyle movement. From Lismore, students have easy access to Byron Bay, Australia’s most easterly point. 

Only 35 minutes from Lismore, Byron Bay provides an international focal point for the area's thriving hospitality industry. The coastline in the region is one of Australia’s best, offering long stretches of beaches for swimming and surfing. The Gold Coast, Australia’s premier tourist spot for nightlife, casinos, surfing and theme parks, is located about an hour north of Lismore. The Great Barrier Reef is only a few hours to the north. The region around Lismore is also noted for its world-renowned rain forests where students can enjoy mountain climbing and bushwalking.

Academics                                                                                                                                                         Students should work with their academic adviser or program director to choose 3 classes for their semester at SCU. The method of instruction is similar to that in the U.S., but students are expected to do more independent work outside of class. Grades are based more on written work and a large exam at the end of the semester rather than on periodic quizzes. In general, students studying in Australia need to be mature, self-directed, and have excellent writing and thinking skills to have a fulfilling learning experience abroad.

• UW-Stout's Fall semester is SCU's Session 2.

• UW-Stout's Spring semester is SCU's Session1.

• You can only take courses with an 'L' (Lismore) listed under availability.

• You may not take courses with an EXT (external) or ONL (online) listed under availability.

Living Arrangements 

The International Office at SCU houses students in the residence halls on campus or in university-managed, co-ed apartments near campus. Students generally have private bedrooms but share the bathroom, kitchen and lounge with four to six other students. Students prepare most meals at their accommodation, but there are snack bars on campus where students can purchase food items.

Passport/ Visa/ Travel   

Passport: Students will need to have a passport study in Australia. The current passport fee is $135. If you already have a valid U.S. passport, be sure to check the dates of validity – your passport must be valid six months beyond your return date.