Program Overview

The 2024 South Pacific Field Study Program

Program Overview

The Honors College will organize a South Pacific Field Study Program in Australia from November 19 to November 29, 2024. This program focuses on the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem, offering participants a multidisciplinary understanding of its history, current state, and future through academic lectures, seminars, workshops, and field research. Students will explore the reef from hydrological, chemical, geological, biological, and ecological perspectives, while learning about Australia's advanced marine conservation concepts, monitoring technologies, and management strategies.

Key Activities:

• Seminars, Workshops & Lectures: Covering marine geology, remote sensing & field data applications, marine numerical modeling, climate change impacts on oceans, coastal tidal dynamics, and marine pollution. These sessions will facilitate academic exchanges with Australian marine scientists.
• University & Research Institute Visits: Immersive experiences in campus life, academic resources, and cultural environments at leading Australian institutions.
• Moreton Bay Research Station (MBRS) Science Camp: Operated by the University of Queensland at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, MBRS boasts rich biodiversity and complex ecosystems. Participants will conduct field surveys, data collection, and experiments to study marine life, ecosystem functions, and human impacts.
• Australian Cultural Experience: Engage with Australia's multicultural society and heritage through local lifestyle activities.

Program Duration: November 1929, 2024. Led by faculty advisors, the program will include no more than 10 students.

Selection Criteria & Requirements

1. Patriotism, support for the Party, strong moral character, good health, and independent living/learning abilities.
2. Full-time undergraduates of the Honors College, Ocean University of China.
3. Excellent academic performance with no disciplinary records.
4. Proficient in English (listening/speaking) to adapt to English-taught sessions.
5. Compliance with local laws, host institution rules, and faculty guidance during the program.
6. Timely completion of daily tasks and field reports, plus active participation in post-program sharing sessions.

Program Costs

1. Approx. AUD 4,800 (RMB 24,000) per student, covering:

• Tuition (lectures/guidance), local transportation, accommodation, some meals, and activity fees.
• The College will apply for subsidies under the Elite Student Overseas Exchange Program, with approved funding distributed to participants.
• Additional personal costs: Flights, visas, insurance, and some meals.

2. The organizer will not cover costs due to force majeure (e.g., natural disasters, flight cancellations).

Application & Selection

1. Submit the online form by September 30.
2. Submit a signed Letter of Commitment to the College Office by October 8.
3. Selected candidates will be announced after review.