Murdoch study abroad social program
Overview
For many study abroad and exchange students, the factor that is most important to them in choosing an Australian university can generally be described as “the Australian experience.” By the experience, what is meant is all of the Australian social and cultural experiences a student can soak up in their short four months in Australia.
As such, Murdoch University’s Study Abroad & Exchange team has come up with a “Social Program” of events and activities to enhance your student’s time in Australia. These events and activities have been devised with a well thought-out mix of social, fun, educational, and cultural while also being a mix of expensive and affordable. All of the events and activities are optional.
Who it's for
The majority of events and activities are set up exclusively for Murdoch study abroad & exchange students. However, often times there are extra places for friends who are full degree Murdoch students or friends of study abroad students.
Events and activities for semester 1, 2014:
“Early Arrivers” Dinner
Set up just for those students arriving to immediately start making friends & getting to know each other. A simple pasta dinner, free for all study abroad students, held at the Student Village.
All New International Student Orientation
Study abroad students will join upwards of 300 other full-degree international students at Murdoch University from over fifty different countries to all come together for the official first kick-off Orientation for all new international student commencing at Murdoch. Lunch is included.
Tour of Fremantle
Students will be brought via bus for free to the harbour town of Fremantle for an official walking tour from local touring company “Two Feet and a Heartbeat”
Day at Cottesloe Beach
Something every new study abroad students wants to experience immediately after arriving – to see the famous Australian beaches. Students will have fun in the sun soaking up the rays, playing in the sand and splashing away in the Indian Ocean. Students are led to Cottesloe beach on Perth public transit by Murdoch International so they’ll know how to get to the beach on their own.
Australian Movie Night – The Castle
Movie night for study abroad students to see the cult classic “The Castle”. Students will be provided with an introduction to the film explaining its relevance to Australian cultural ties such as equality and “the Aussie battler”.
Day at Perth’s King’s Park
Study abroad students will meet in Perth’s biggest and most famous park for an afternoon potluck lunch. Students will have amazing views of the city and the Swan River.
International Student Dinner
A strong and cherished tradition of bringing all new international students together in Murdoch’s Food Hall for a free catered dinner served by the staff of Murdoch International. Students are intentionally mixed to meet new friends from new countries and cultures. The night also includes some just for fun games.
Surf Lesson
Two and half hour surf lesson at one of best beginners surf beaches in Perth. Professional and certified surf instructors from Learn to Surf will teach study abroad students the basics of getting up on their board as well as safety tips in how to deal with strong currents and rips.
Caversham Nature & Wildlife Park
Students will have a day at Caversham Wildlife Park where they will come face-to-face with over 200 species of native Australian wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, and wombats! Lunch & transportation is also included by Murdoch International.
Day trip to the Pinnacles Desert
This day trip includes seeing koalas at Yanchep National Park in the morning, sandboarding down huge sand dunes in Lancelin, and then of course experiencing the geological wonders of the Pinnacles Desert in the evening. Includes lunch.
Group Volunteer Activity at Karrakin
Study abroad students will come together in spending a day at the Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Rehabilitation Centre where they will clean cages, water and feed this seriously endangered species. Students will also see emus, black swans, wallabies, and other Australian wildlife.
Tour of the Western Australian’s Great SouthWest
Includes three days exploring the South West, with guide, meals, dorm-style accommodation, transportation, and National Park entries.
Point Walter Reserve
A beautiful day trip to the Swan River where students can have a BBQ, kick around the footy, walk out on a sand bar to the middle of the river, and interact with black swans which are native to the area.
Penguin Island
Field trip to the nearby city of Rockingham to take a boat out to the tiny island of Penguin Island.
Bush Trekking Adventure in Perth Hills
Students will take a chartered bus ride for a trip out to John Forrest National Park, the first national park in Western Australia to choose their own adventure trekking around in the bush in the Perth Hills. Chance to see amazing views of Perth city and a chance to see kangaroos in the wild.
Swan River Farewell Cruise
This will be the farewell event for Study Abroad & Exchange students. A three to four hour cruise up the majestic Swan River with splendid views of the Perth city skyline.
