Sydney

It’s hard to believe that the home of one of the world’s most exquisite beaches and lifeguards got its start as a harsh and inhospitable penal colony. Known for its renowned architectural landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney also provides easy access to the Blue Mountains and rainforests that are just as popular as its more than 150 metropolitan beaches. Sydney's four million people insist the only thing better than their view of the water is their view from the water. Australia's first and largest city has clearly come a long way since its less than glamorous prison camp beginnings.

A city best experienced outside, our students can study the monumental engineering accomplishments of the Sydney Harbor Bridge from unique perspectives — above it on mesh catwalk bridge climb, on it with a bridge walk, or perhaps underneath while paddling a kayak.

Through the eyes of Sydney’s first inhabitants we can glimpse their mystical history and struggle for survival during an Aboriginal owned and run harbor cruise or Blue Mountains walkabout tour. Sequencing the coral genome of Acropora Millepora will help provide new insight into the evolution of life, and snorkeling around its colorful Staghorn shape searching for signs of coral bleaching within The Great Barrier Reef will allow us to monitor the effects of climate change and the increased need for global conservation.

With five distinct eco-systems and time to observe them all, there’s a lot to go over ‘Down Under’ — not to mention the chance to pet a koala.