Undergraduate Research Summer Study Abroad Program in Australia and Bali: Farming for the Future: Australia and Bali

Dates: This is a 4-week program, which runs from July - Aug. 2025

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.

• 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.

Program Eligibility

Student Applicants must:

• Be current, degree seeking undergraduate students in good academic and judicial standing at the time of application, and during the program. Applicants must be enrolled UTC undergraduates with a graduation date of December 2025 or later.
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Successfully complete all application steps listed below.

Before You Apply

Visit the SFS Farming for the Future website, and download the SFS Academic Handbook. The Office for URaCE application includes two questions based on information in the handbook. Please be sure to review the website and handbook carefully before starting the application.

Application Materials

Save application materials (items 1 and 2 below) as either PDF or Microsoft Word files. You will submit your statement, and CV or resume with the electronic application.

1. Statement of Interest. Submitted with the electronic application.

The statement must address the 4 items listed below. 

1. Background Information: Include your major, academic interests, extra/co-curricular activities, involvement in clubs and organizations, and any other non-academic information or accomplishments you wish to share.
2. Why do you want to participate in this program, and how do you see your participation “fitting in” with current and future academic and professional goals?
3. What can you contribute to this program? Describe your skills relevant to this experience. For example, you may address your time-management, communication, or organizational skills.
4. Explain why you selected this program location, and topic area. Also address how you will prepare to study abroad in the selected location. What do you know about this location?

2. A copy of your CV or Resume. Submitted with the e-application form.

Application Process

1. Review and make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements listed above. Review and make sure you can fulfill all the participant responsibilities listed below.
2. Submit the program application form.
3. Meet with Laura Livermore in UTC Study Abroad to discuss the program, application process, fees, and program responsibilities.  Once you submit the electronic application, you will be contacted to schedule a meeting.
4. Meet with Dr. Lisa Piazza in the Office for URaCE to discuss research responsibilities and expectations.
5. Submit the UTC Office of Study Abroad application. NOTE: Applicants will receive the study abroad application link via e-mail once steps 1-3 above have been completed.

Students selected to participate in the program must:

• Submit the UTC Office of Study Abroad application. NOTE: Students selected to participate in the program will receive the Study Abroad application link via e-mail once steps 1-3 above have been completed.
• Complete and submit Office for URaCE directed assignments in Canvas between April- August 2025. Canvas assignments are submitted at various points between April and August. Participants must also attend an in-person orientation meeting in late April or early May. Before you apply, please make sure you are available to dedicate time to this program from April-August, 2025.

The UTC application deadline for this program is 11pm on Friday, January 31, 2025.

Follow this LINK to apply.

Program Participant Responsibilities

Prior to Departure (May, 2025)

• Participate in program meetings and events on campus.
• Attend in-person program orientation.
• Complete pre-experience training via Canvas.
• Attend check in meetings with Office for URaCE program coordinators.
• Complete all pre-departure training and attend meetings as assigned.
• Attend Office of Study Abroad pre-departure orientation (Study Abroad 103).
• Other items as assigned.

During the Research Study Abroad Experience

• Follow UTC policies and code of conduct.
• Follow Study Abroad policies and code of conduct.
• Successfully fulfill all responsibilities and requirements of the experience.
• Attend check in meetings with Office for URaCE program coordinators.

At the Conclusion of the Research Study Abroad Experience

• Submit post-experience materials to the Office for URaCE.
• Prepare a presentation about your experience for the virtual UTC Fall Research Conference (Fall, 2025).
• Complete Office of Study Abroad Post-Study Abroad Scholarship Requirements.

Questions? Contact Dr. Lisa Piazza ([email protected]) OR send a message to the urace mailbox ([email protected])