If you’re studying abroad in Brisbane or planning a weekend trip to Brisbane, you can’t … Read more
Griffith University – Brisbane
The Griffith University Nathan campus offers students the opportunity to enjoy the vibrancy of Brisbane, while also benefitting from a wide choice of course offerings. The campus is a short commute from the city, with beautiful natural surrounds on the edge of Toohey Forest. Nathan is the original Griffith campus and is an excellent fit for students in environment, sustainability and bio-sciences. Students live in Griffith’s on-campus housing with single rooms.
Overview
Spend a semester at a university with comprehensive course offerings, known for its university-wide commitment to sustainability
Be part of a welcoming community, living in Griffith's on-campus housing
Live in Brisbane, known for its subtropical climate, friendly locals and cosmopolitan vibe
Explore the Great Barrier Reef and tropical far north Australia during your comprehensive five-day Orientation Program, with a week of adventure and learning
Experience an alternative Spring Break with our optional Thailand or New Zealand excursion
Appreciate access to TEAN’s in-country Resident Director for continued support throughout the semester
Take three courses instead of four to receive discounted tuition. (Three courses is equivalent to 9 – 12 U.S. credits depending on your home university’s credit transfer policy.)
Program Details
Housing
Students attending Griffith’s Nathan campus live on-campus in dorms and apartments with singles rooms. Some of the accommodations have shared kitchen facilities, laundry and common areas. There is meal plan required as part of the on-campus living, in the catered options.
TEAN Staff
Our team works with you start to finish through the study abroad process. Our programs staff will help guide you through the application process to go abroad, then upon arrival in Australia, you will meet our team who will provide assistance during your time in-country. Throughout your semester you will meet with the Brisbane Resident Director for informal discussions and excursions. Our staff is readily available and able to assist you with any academic, social, or cultural questions or issues that you may face during your time abroad.
Meet the TeamUniversity
About Griffith University – Brisbane
- Griffith University was established in 1971 as a new kind of Australian university – one that offered courses in progressive fields such as Asian Studies and environmental science. While progressive then, these academic areas are now more relevant than ever.
- Ranked in the top 150 universities in the world for Education, Architecture/Built Environment, and Art and Design based on the QS World University subject rankings.
- Griffith University has five campuses spread throughout southeastern Queensland, the Nathan campus is the original with 13,900 students.
- Griffith Business School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), placing Griffith in the top 5% of business schools worldwide.
- The Griffith Nathan campus is easily connected to Brisbane by public transport on the bus
Location
Griffith University has two locations in Brisbane that TEAN students attend depending on their classes. The Nathan campus is easily connected to Brisbane by public transport on the bus and the South Bank campus is in the city. View the google map links of the Nathan campus and South Bank location.
Courses
Courses
Courses are available in the below disciplines. For detailed instructions on how to find and select courses, and a list of popular courses see our course selection instructions. Students enrol in 3 – 4 subjects per semester (between 30 and 50 Griffith credits), which usually transfers as 12 – 16 U.S. semester credits.
Find CoursesAcademic Departments and Schools at Griffith University are divided into 10 academic divisions: Arts, Languages & Criminology, Business, Education, Engineering & Information Technology, Environment, Planning & Architecture, Health, Law, Music, Science, Visual & Creative Arts.
Discipline |
Subject Area |
| Business |
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| Communications & Media |
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| Education |
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| Engineering |
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| Environment |
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| Health |
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| Humanities & Social Sciences |
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| International Studies |
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| Science |
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| Visual, Performing Arts & Design |
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Internship
Community Internship
The Griffith University Community Internship is a 10-credit point course. The internship places you in a community (not-for-profit) organization related to your major where you put into practice your academic learning and give back to the local community.
With more than 450 different placement options, you will be matched to a placement related to your major. A volunteer placement is a great way to demonstrate real-world experience to future employers and get to know the Australian community. The course requires a 50-hour (minimum) commitment in the placement.
More information will be provided to interested students upon application to a TEAN Griffith University program.
Eligibility
Eligibility
- 2.5 GPA.
- Students must be enrolled in a two-year or four-year degree-granting institution at the time of enrollment at Griffith University.
- Second semester, Freshmen students may be considered for acceptance. To undertake the Community Internship students must be in their second year.
Events & Excursions
ACTIVITIES / IMMERSION
Our local staff arrange various activities during the semester designed to help immerse you in the local culture. These activities are included in your semester program. In addition, if you have a specific interest or hobby, your Brisbane-based TEAN Resident Director will be able to point you in the right direction. Below are examples of previous activities arranged for students. Note that activities change each semester.
In addition to the TEAN-organized events, to make sure you don’t miss out on any opportunities, our local staff send out frequent emails letting you know what is happening in Brisbane. Ranging from community events to music festivals, we tap you into the local culture right from the start.
Brisbane River Kayaking
Whether you are a first-timer or an experienced paddler, kayaking on Brisbane’s beautiful river is the perfect way to discover the city. Friendly instructors will help guide you as you maneuver your kayaks down the river.
Aussie Rules Football Game
Come and cheer for the home team – the Brisbane Lions. You have to catch this game and see this professional Australian sport in all its glory! Don’t worry – our staff will explain the rules.
Australia Zoo Visit
Home of The Crocodile Hunter, the Australia Zoo is known as one of the world’s largest and best wildlife conservation facilities. Exploring the zoo and getting to know its special wildlife is an incredible, must-do experience while in Australia.
Program Dates
APPLICATION DEADLINES
TEAN has a rolling admissions process. We recommend submitting your application anytime from June for Spring applications, and from January for Fall applications. Late applications may be considered. Contact TEAN if the application deadline has passed.
| Spring Deadline | Nov 18 |
| Fall Deadline | April 23 |
Fall 2020*
| Date of Departure | Mid-July | |
| TEAN Orientation | TBD | |
| Housing Move-In | TBD | |
| University Orientation | July 29 | |
| Classes Begin | July 6 | |
| Semester Break | Aug 10 | Aug 16 |
| Classes End | Oct 2 | |
| Study Period | Oct 5 | Oct 7 |
| Exam Period | Oct 8 | Oct 17 |
| Program Ends | Oct 18 |
*These dates are tentative. Final dates will be released closer to the fall semester.
Spring 2020
| Date of Departure | Feb 10 | |
| TEAN Orientation | Feb 12 | Feb 16 |
| University Orientation | Feb 17 | Feb 21 |
| Classes Begin | Feb 24 | |
| Semester Break | April 6 | April 10 |
| Classes End | May 22 | |
| Study Period | May 25 | May 27 |
| Exam Period | May 28 | June 6 |
| Program Ends | June 7 |
Fall 2019
| Date of Departure | June 24 | |
| TEAN Orientation | June 26 | June 30 |
| Housing Move-In | June 30 | |
| University Orientation | July 1 | July 5 |
| Classes Begin | July 8 | |
| Semester Break | Aug 12 | Aug 16 |
| Exam Period | Oct 10 | Oct 19 |
| Program Ends | Oct 20 |
Fees & Inclusions
Spring 2020
- Tuition and program fees: $12,250*
- Housing (on campus): $3,250**
*Tuition for 4 courses. Students have the option of taking 3 courses for a discount of up to $720 – pending approval from their home university.
**Does not include the cost of the mandatory meal plan.
Fall 2019
- Tuition and program fees: $12,290*
- Housing (on campus): $3,770**
*Tuition for 4 courses. Students have the option of taking 3 courses for a discount of up to $720 – pending approval from their home university.
**Does not include the cost of the mandatory meal plan.
What’s Included
- Full tuition (4 courses)
- Guaranteed, pre-arranged, on-campus housing
- Overseas health insurance, plus evacuation and repatriation insurance
- Services of local Resident Directors
- Five-day Orientation Program with some meals, excursions, accommodations, and transportation
- Cultural events scheduled throughout the semester
- Wireless internet access in all housing
- Access to pre-arranged and affordable cell phone packages
- Access to unique and exciting optional excursions which may include New Zealand, Thailand and other places
- Access to competitive airfares and pre-arranged flight itineraries
- Extensive pre-departure counseling and information packets
- University and course selection advice
- Official academic transcripts from host institution
- Credit approval and transfer assistance
- Help with student visa preparation
- Financial aid transfer planning
- Airport pickup and reception upon arrival
- Arrival Welcome packet containing important local contact details and information
- Brisbane Farewell Dinner at conclusion of program
- Student union fees at host university
- Host university orientation
What’s Not Included
- International airfare ($1,800)
- Domestic airfare in US ($500)
- Student visa ($450)
- Books ($365)
- Meals during the semester ($2,000)
- Airport transfer at the end of the semester ($50)
*Numbers are estimated based on previous student experience and budget. Actual amounts will vary depending on student.
Scholarships
We Love Brisbane
Brisbane Tip
South Bank Parklands
Located next to the Brisbane River, the South Bank Parklands are one of Brisbane’s most iconic spots for hosting weekly markets, festivals, and concerts. It also includes free access to its multiple swimming pool areas and man made beach that is open for everyone to enjoy. You can catch the free City Hopper Ferry across the river, ride the Brisbane Wheel, or visit the nearby Queensland Museum as these attractions are all within a short walk away from South Bank.
Q&A
What is your favorite part of working with students?
For me, I love the first call with a student who has decided to take the leap and study abroad. They know they want to do it, but the idea of checking off all the steps is overwhelming, scary and seemingly impossible. When they realize we are committed to making this easy for them and I hear that sense of relief at the end of our chat, it always reminds me why I love what I do.
Why should students consider studying abroad in Australia?
Some students underestimate the complexity of Australia and don’t realize that it has vastly different locations and environments, similar to the unique cities and environments you can experience across the U.S. Even though the country may at first seem relatively similar to the U.S. compared to other study abroad destination, studying in Australia certainly doesn’t mean you up on the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of cultural and outdoor experiences. Here students can access rainforests, reefs, deserts, wildlife, cities and dramatically different landscapes, all without having to cross international borders.
As a TEAN alum and now employee, what do you think makes TEAN unique?
Everyone at TEAN is completely committed to encouraging study abroad experiences. It really is more than a job, it’s a lifestyle. As a student, I was taken aback by the level of support and service I received from TEAN staff. Now, I understand the sense of responsibility to ease the burden and shorten the hurdles for our students because there is so much value to studying abroad. We truly believe in what we do.
Where did you study abroad?
After first considering Melbourne for its prestigious reputation and quirky cafe culture, I switched to the University of Queensland in St. Lucia, right outside of Brisbane. I realized I might have a better chance of warm weather for my entire program if I headed for the Sunshine State. Now having traveled to both, I’m confident I would have been happy in either location, but UQ’s campus was the perfect escape from the harsh midwestern winters I was used to in Chicago. I really fell into the laidback Brisbane lifestyle more than anything and quickly understood it’s much more than just great weather. It’s a perfect city for international students because it has the right balance of culture, sport and access to adventure. The twisting Brisbane River gives you front door ferry service to very unique neighborhoods all with their own character and style. The ocean is within easy reach for a weekend jaunt (but spending a night at the manmade beaches of South Bank can be just as breathtaking). The views from Mt. Coot-tha are surreal, especially at sunset, and the city’s a great place for students who want to enjoy both city life and exploring the great outdoors. Brisbane lets you have it all.
Kat Taylor
Resident Assistant - Brisbane
Brisbane Tip
Caxton Street
Caxton Street is a lively street in Brisbane to bar hop and grab some great food. It is located right next to Suncorp Stadium and known for its atmospheric vibe (especially when the Brisbane Broncos are playing at the stadium). Most of the bars offer live music, including Lefty’s which has live music every night of the week.
Q&A
What do you like about Brisbane and what makes it a great place to study abroad?
Brisbane is a good-sized city but doesn’t have the overwhelming hustle and bustle of bigger cities. It boasts near perfect weather, is incredibly easy to navigate and using the ferry system on the river never gets old! Brisbane is a perfect spot to study abroad because the central location of UQ and QUT allows you to really dive deep into the city.
Where do you like to take out of town visitors when they visit Brisbane for the first time?
Some highlights that I like to show first-time visitors to Brisbane include Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Mount Coot-tha Lookout, Burleigh Heads Beach and checking out the Gold Coast. It’s also always fun to walk along the river near South Bank and grab a bite to eat or head to the Tamborine Rainforest – there are so many trails to explore.
What should be on every student’s bucket list for a semester in Australia?
I always tell everyone to get out of the cities and explore! The countryside of Australia is unlike anywhere I’ve ever been. That said, you also want to make sure to visit a few of the other main cities such as Sydney, Adelaide, Perth or Melbourne. Just like in the U.S., each city has its own personality and flair that can only be understood once you’ve spent at least a few days there.
Where have you traveled throughout Asia Pacific and what have been some highlights from those travels?
Every time I travel through Asia Pacific, it always leads me wanting to explore a new corner of the area. I have amazing memories from Bali, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan and Guam. I usually don’t like to return to places I’ve already been to but Thailand is one of the few exception to that rule. I’ve vacationed there twice and each time I can’t wait to go back yet again to see more. Thai people are amazing, the food is unforgettable and the beauty of the land stands out as a highlight in my travels.
What is your favorite Aussie snack?
Oh goodness, there’s sooo many, it’s hard to narrow it down. I love a good sausage roll when I’m eating on the run. I still don’t understand why they’re not found around the world…yet. I also love pavlova – fresh fruit with whipped cream on a meringue…yummy!
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