Florida Down Under

UF in North Queensland, Australia

  • Sustaining Humans and their Environment
  • Dates - May 13 - Jun 13, 2026
  • Credits - 6 credits (LEI 4955/6931)
  • Apply - by Feb 27, 2026 (deadline extended)
APPLY NOW
Florida Down Under

UF in Fiji

  • Sustaining Humans and their Environment
  • Dates - Not currently offered
  • Credits - 3 credits (LEI 4955/6931)
  • Apply - Register interest below
LEARN MORE
Florida Down Under

UF in New Zealand

  • Sustaining Humans and their Environment
  • Dates - Not currently offered
  • Credits - 6 credits (LEI 4955/6931)
  • Apply - Register interest below
LEARN MORE
Florida Down Under - AUIP South Pacific Study Abroad Programs to New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Antarctica

Florida Down Under Programs

The University of Florida’s Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management offers a series of sustainability focused faculty-led study abroad programs each summer in the South Pacific, timed so that you can study in more than one location and make the most of your summer! These programs explore the interdisciplinary and complex relationship between humans and the environment. These courses on sustainability are open and relevant to all majors, do not have prerequisites, and can fulfill a number of degree and general education requirements. Expect experiential learning, exposure to new environments and communities, and insightful local guides and instructors. We welcome you to study with us Down Under!
Dr. Heather Gibson

Upcoming Information Session: Florida Down Under’s last information session for Australia 2026 will be on Wed, Feb 18, 2026, in FLG 225, or join via zoom here using your UF email address.

On-Demand Information Session: Florida Down Under’s information session on Thu, Jan 22, 2026, was recorded and is available to view at your convenience. Check it out to learn more!

VIEW PROGRAM FEE INCLUSIONS

Program Contacts:
Faculty leader – Dr. Heather Gibson, hgibson@hhp.ufl.edu
UF International Center Advisor – Emma Stetter, sas@ufic.ufl.edu

Florida Down Under in Australia

UF in North Queensland, Australia

May 13 – Jun 13, 2026

Credits – 6 credits (LEI 4955/6931)

Apply – by Feb 27, 2026

(application deadline extended!)

Cost – $10,974 (undergraduate), $11,085 (graduate)

This four-week faculty-led experiential program uses the theme of sustainable development to explore the relationship between people and their natural environment. North Queensland boasts some of the most diverse and remarkable natural resources in the southern hemisphere. Known as the Sunshine State, Queensland is home to lush rainforests, Outback scrub and desert, and the spectacular marine diversity of the Great Barrier Reef. The program also includes time in Sydney, Australia’s largest city.


VIEW PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
VIEW PROGRAM FEE INCLUSIONS
APPLY NOW

Florida Down Under In Fiji

UF in Fiji

Next offered June 2027
(10-day program)

Credits – 3 credits (LEI 4955/6931)

Apply – register interest below

Cost – TBC; 2022 price was $3,528 (undergraduate), $3,776 (graduate)

This 10-day faculty-led experiential program uses the theme of sustainable development to explore the relationship between people and the natural environment. We examine the complex relationships between Fijian cultural practices, environmental conservation, and eco-tourism. Despite several centuries of outside contact and a unique ethnic mix, traditional Fijian values and customs still flourish and have a profound influence on the connection between people and the land. Fiji is a low-cost layover on the return flight to the U.S. and by combining Fiji with Australia or New Zealand, you could earn 9 credits.


VIEW PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

My educational experience on this trip has been amazing. The debates were crucial to my education and not something I have exposure to on campus. I learned more in the last 3 weeks than I do in a typical semester.”

UF in North Queensland, Australia, 2025 Participant

Sign up to the Florida Down Under mailing list to stay informed

* indicates required

I’m interested in:

Intuit Mailchimp

I truly loved my time on this trip. Signing up for this trip was definitely one of the best
decisions I’ve made for myself. I feel like I’ve grown so much during my time here and met some great people.”

UF in North Queensland, Australia, 2023 Participant

Florida Down Under in New Zealand

UF in New Zealand

Not currently offered

Credits – 6 credits (LEI 4955/6931)

Apply – register interest above

This three and a half-week faculty-led experiential program will examine resource conservation and the natural, and related social, history of New Zealand. New Zealand’s isolation, after its separation from the ancient Gondwanaland millions of years ago, has left this island nation with a unique natural heritage. The plants and animals that have evolved here are unknown elsewhere in the world. In this course you’ll use New Zealand as a case study to examine different cultural perspectives on the three pillars of sustainability: environment, social equity, and economics.

  • News & Events

    Deadline extended

    Apply by Fri, Feb 27, 2026!

    Reach out to Dr. Heather Gibson urgently if you have questions or are keen to commit.

    Last Info Session for Australia 2026

    Wed, Feb 18th at 5pm, in FLG 225

    or join via zoom here using your UF email address.

  • Tips From Alumni

  • “Come in with an open mind and you will have the trip of a lifetime.”
    AUIP South Pacific Study Abroad Programs to New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Antarctica
    2018-08-30T15:40:03+12:00
    “Come in with an open mind and you will have the trip of a lifetime.”

    “Make sure to look ahead in the schedule to see when assignments are due. It will also help you when deciding how much to buy at the grocery store.”
    AUIP South Pacific Study Abroad Programs to New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Antarctica
    2018-08-30T16:10:47+12:00
    “Make sure to look ahead in the schedule to see when assignments are due. It will also help you when deciding how much to buy at the grocery store.”

    “Do not overpack, you will re-wear things often.”
    AUIP South Pacific Study Abroad Programs to New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Antarctica
    2018-08-30T16:11:02+12:00
    “Do not overpack, you will re-wear things often.”

    “Bring warm clothes for New Zealand, be adventurous, and enjoy the people in your program.”
    AUIP South Pacific Study Abroad Programs to New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Antarctica
    2018-08-30T16:11:18+12:00
    “Bring warm clothes for New Zealand, be adventurous, and enjoy the people in your program.”

    “Do not underestimate the workload on the trip; bring enough spending money to use the ATM as little as possible; don't pass up the opportunities for adventures during free time; make the most out of your time because it flies; and bring a smaller bag and don't overpack.”
    AUIP South Pacific Study Abroad Programs to New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Antarctica
    2018-08-30T16:11:32+12:00
    “Do not underestimate the workload on the trip; bring enough spending money to use the ATM as little as possible; don't pass up the opportunities for adventures during free time; make the most out of your time because it flies; and bring a smaller bag and don't overpack.”

    “Come in prepared to work; it's not a class that you can just sail through without putting in a lot of time (as some other study abroad programs are like) due to the immersive technique. You learn a great amount due to immersion.”
    AUIP South Pacific Study Abroad Programs to New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Antarctica
    2018-08-30T16:11:50+12:00
    “Come in prepared to work; it's not a class that you can just sail through without putting in a lot of time (as some other study abroad programs are like) due to the immersive technique. You learn a great amount due to immersion.”

    “Bring one load of laundry detergent powder for washing clothes when at locations where you do not have laundry machines.”
    AUIP South Pacific Study Abroad Programs to New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Antarctica
    2018-08-30T16:12:02+12:00
    “Bring one load of laundry detergent powder for washing clothes when at locations where you do not have laundry machines.”

    “Bring a microfiber towel!”
    AUIP South Pacific Study Abroad Programs to New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Antarctica
    2018-08-30T16:12:17+12:00
    “Bring a microfiber towel!”

    “Don’t do your work the night before.”
    AUIP South Pacific Study Abroad Programs to New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Antarctica
    2018-08-30T16:15:45+12:00
    “Don’t do your work the night before.”

    “Make sure to be ready to be on island time while in Fiji.”
    AUIP South Pacific Study Abroad Programs to New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Antarctica
    2018-08-30T16:16:01+12:00
    “Make sure to be ready to be on island time while in Fiji.”

    “Fiji is a great trip. Since it is shorter in length, go on the New Zealand or Australia trip as well.”
    AUIP South Pacific Study Abroad Programs to New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Antarctica
    2018-08-30T16:16:18+12:00
    “Fiji is a great trip. Since it is shorter in length, go on the New Zealand or Australia trip as well.”

    “Don't be afraid to ask questions.”
    AUIP South Pacific Study Abroad Programs to New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Antarctica
    2018-08-30T16:16:37+12:00
    “Don't be afraid to ask questions.”

    “Get ahead with the coursework and take time to familiarize yourself with some topics before departure.”
    AUIP South Pacific Study Abroad Programs to New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Antarctica
    2018-08-30T16:16:58+12:00
    “Get ahead with the coursework and take time to familiarize yourself with some topics before departure.”

    “Bug spray, bag locks, water shoes are a must for Fiji.”
    AUIP South Pacific Study Abroad Programs to New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Antarctica
    2018-08-30T16:17:14+12:00
    “Bug spray, bag locks, water shoes are a must for Fiji.”
    0
    0
    AUIP South Pacific Study Abroad Programs to New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Antarctica

Your experts for faculty-led and customized study abroad programs in the South Pacific