SFS-Australia and Bali: Farming for the Future

Program Details

Program Location North Queensland, Australia
Sponsor School for Field Studies
Program Type Co-sponsored
Course # SA 35002
Duration Summer
Upcoming Program Dates
Summer 2025 07/05/25 to 08/05/25
Page Links
Click here to apply for this program!
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice

Overview

The agricultural systems that feed the world lie precariously at the cross section of globalization, industrialization, climate change, cultural and indigenous heritage, and market demand. Spend your summer untangling the complex web of providing food for a global population and discuss ways of implementing sustainable agriculture in the face of environmental change. You’ll explore examples from the agricultural landscapes in both northern Queensland and on the Indonesian island of Bali as you consider matters of soil health, economic livelihoods, ethnobotany, economies of scale, meat production, distribution, and more.

For more program information, please visit the program website. This program is sponsored by:School for Field Studies.

Eligibility

The program is open to Purdue students in good standing who have completed at least two semesters of university study by the start of the program. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity, and a desire to experience another culture.

GPA Requirement: 2.6 on a 4.0 scale
Language Requirement: none


Purdue Credit

Direct Credit available from the following: [College of Agriculture] [College of Liberal Arts]
Specifically from: All (AG) and Liberal Arts majors fulfilling their science requirement

Students interested in completing courses while abroad from Purdue colleges or departments that are not listed above should discuss this with their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.


Academic Program

On the Farming for the Future program, you will take one 4-credit course. This course is participatory in nature and is designed to foster inquiry and active learning combining lectures, field exercises, assignments, and tests.

More information about the course and the syllabus can be found on the SFS website.


Excursions

  • Explore the agricultural landscape of the Atherton Tablelands, including the food systems of the area’s First Nations peoples, while based at our most remote Center – a 153-acre rainforest property surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage Forests.
  • Visit regenerative farms and the Cairns Botanic Gardens to learn how to identify multiple common tropical food plants in preparation for field excursions.
  • Embark on a 13-day excursion to the island of Bali where you’ll appreciate how agriculture and religion are intertwined. Visit agroforestry and permaculture farms, tour scenic World Heritage rice terraces, explore a Balinese market, and sample coffee, chocolate, and vanilla. 

  • Housing

    At the end of a narrow, winding path, surrounded by lush rainforest, lies this remote field station. Our 153-acre property is surrounded by protected World Heritage forests, and you can observe incredible wildlife from the front steps of your cabin. The nearby towns of Yungaburra, Atherton, and Cairns are just a short drive away.

    • Group living in eight-person cabins
    • Main building with classroom, lab, and study spaces
    • Student lounge with scenic porch views and WiFi
    • Covered outdoor dining area, on-site cook, and garden
    • On-campus network of trails for rainforest hikes
    • Outdoor spaces for volleyball, yoga, and hammocks

    Estimated Program Costs

    Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss.
     
    Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location.  This will vary by program.

    The program and housing fees cover: tuition, room and board, program-related ground transportation and park entrance fees, field equipment, supplies, orientation and pre- and post-program advisory services. Total Program Cost does not include transportation to and from the program location.

    The fees below are for the one 4-week summer session with SFS. Please speak to your study abroad advisor for the program costs for participation in two summer sessions with SFS.

    Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are for: Summer 2024

    Costs per term to be billed by Purdue and Co-sponsor
    Program Fee $5,970.00
    Study Abroad Fee $609.40
    Housing $5,160.00
    Purdue International Insurance (per month) $32.00

    Approximate additional costs per term
    To be paid by the student.
    Round-trip Airfare $3,000.00
    Visa $50.00
    Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $0.00 - $2,200.00
    Travel Documents (passport, photos) $175.00

    Financial Aid

    In order to qualify for financial aid (incl. loans), students need to register for at least six credits during the summer. Students needing to use Purdue financial aid in order to participate in this four-credit summer program will need to enroll in at least two more credits during the summer term at Purdue.

    SFS offers many scholarships and/or 0% interest loans (no FAFSA form required). Please see the SFS website for more details.


    Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should

    NOTE:  Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad.  Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.

    Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.


    Application Deadlines

    For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents (typically an essay, transcripts, 1-2 recommendations, and copy of passport) before or by the application deadline.  Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline. To ensure a place in a program, apply early.

    As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.

    Program Application Deadline
    Summer Programs Mar 1



    Returnees Information

    Click below to search for Purdue students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted.  If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who studied in the country you are interested in.


    Resources

    The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.


    For more information on this program, please contact the Study Abroad Office by phone (765) 494-2383 or email studyabroad@purdue.edu.