Program details: To view a total solar eclipse is one of the most unique and surreal experiences the world offers. To view an eclipse in Australia, the land of bizarre animals, is even more unique and surreal. The primary focus of the excursion will be to witness, and to understand, a total solar eclipse. The path of the eclipse will cross Northern Queensland on November 13, 2012. The students on this excursion will gain a firm understanding of what an eclipse is, how our solar system works, and how we are able to predict eclipses centuries in advance with great accuracy.

While this program will focus on the eclipse, its participants will also learn about many aspects of the natural history of northeastern Australia, including the origin and ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef, the ecosystem of the northern Queensland rainforest, and the evolution of marsupials. Participants will visit coral-sand beaches on the Queensland coast, walk through giant tree ferns in the tropical rain forest north of Cairns, and observe wild platypus and wallabies in the eucalyptus forests of the Atherton Tablelands. Information Sheet

Tentative dates: November 7-17, 2012.

Program sites: Northern Queensland, Australia.

Anticipated curriculum: Natural History Excursion (Biology 204R and Geology 204R).

Estimated participation fee: $1,195. Apply by April 20, 2012, for this price. The program directors are making every effort to secure funding that will reduce the amount of the participation fee.

Participation fee covers: Housing and meals for 10 days in Australia, in-country transportation, some entry fees, international health insurance.

Participation fee does not cover: Round-trip airfare (approx. $1,700), UVU tuition (approx. $150 per credit hour), immunizations, passport, discretionary spending.

Directors: Clay Chivers, program coordinator of academic excursions, 801.863.8694, clay.chivers@uvu.edu; Jim Harris, Tentative dates: November 7-17, 2012. professor of biology, 801.863.8623, jharris@uvu.edu; Daniel Horns, professor of earth science, 801.863.8582, Program sites: Northern Queensland, Australia. hornsda@uvu.edu.

Application deadline: April 20, 2012. Submit application, two letters of reference, $195 non-refundable application fee, and $300 program deposit. If you miss the deadline, you may be welcome to apply until the program is full, but please note that the participation fee will be higher and program space is limited. Application materials are available at the International Center in WB147 or here: Application, Letter of Reference, Program Payment Card, Application Payment Card.

Financial aid: Pell grants and Federal Insured Student Loans may be applied to the program, based on eligibility.
Applicants must have a current FAFSA form on file at the Financial Aid Office (BA 105) and complete all necessary application forms for financial aid.

Scholarships: Should funding become available for scholarships, application materials will be available at
International Study Programs.