Australia: Psychology

This immersive program is based in Brisbane, Queensland and explores the intersections of psychology, social services, and sustainability in Australia through academic study, professional experience, and engagement with Indigenous peoples’ knowledge and culture.

Lectures, discussions and city-based excursions will situate students within Australia’s historical, social, and environmental contexts, before focusing on the country’s socialised health and human service delivery system. The Psychology of Sustainability course will draw on First Nations knowledge and psychological theories and include multiple excursions and a four-day field trip.

Students will conclude the program with a tailored four-week internship in a social service agency of interest. Weekend excursions to nearby islands, beaches and rainforests provide hands-on experiences that highlight Australia’s natural diversity and connect environmental and psychological learning in meaningful ways.

This program offers a unique opportunity to live and learn like a local while developing valuable international perspectives and professional connections in your chosen field.

Requirements Fulfilled

This program fulfills the Global Perspectives general education requirement for students who successfully complete 8 semester credits.

Major Requirements: PSY 345 may be applied to the Psychology major. PSY 314 satisfies an elective for the major.

Credits: 12 credits (3 courses)

Curriculum

IS 290: Australian Area Study

Explore key events that have shaped Australia, from the rich histories of Indigenous peoples to recent European colonization and contemporary society. This course introduces Australia’s social, political, and environmental landscape, helping students understand the forces that have influenced the nation’s development. Through lectures, discussions, and interactive analysis, students will gain insight into the historical and cultural contexts that have, and continue to shape, Australian society.

PSY 345: Internship

This course provides an immersive introduction to psychology, health and human service delivery in Australia. Through a mix of lectures, workshops, and around 130 hours of supervised internship experience, students will learn about Australia’s socialized healthcare system and the professional frameworks guiding psychological and counseling work. Emphasis is placed on understanding cultural, ethical, and social aspects of human service work within the Australian context. Weekly facilitated discussions with a practicing Australian psychologist encourage reflection, peer learning, and the connection between academic theory and practical experience. Internship placements may include drug and alcohol treatment programs, women’s resource centres, community aftercare for psychiatric patients, youth engagement programs, services for the elderly, and support services for housing and homelessness, domestic and family violence, or eating disorders.

PSY 314: Psychology of Sustainability

This course examines the psychological dimensions of sustainability in the Australian context, exploring how human behavior both shapes and is shaped by the natural environment. We will use psychological theories and research to analyze the complex interplay between individuals, culture, and environmental challenges specific to Australia, including climate anxiety, Indigenous perspectives on land stewardship, and the impact of urbanization on nature connectedness. Through discussion, writing, and immersive experiences in Australian landscapes, we will critically reflect on our relationship with nature and the psychological barriers to sustainability. This course blends academic inquiry with experiential learning, encouraging a deeper, more personal engagement with the urgent environmental challenges facing Australia today.

PLEASE NOTE: If a student has attended the spring LC program, and wishes to apply to remain in Australia for the summer Australia LC program, the student may not repeat the Area Study course. The student must apply to be allowed to complete an independent study on a different topic in place of IS-290.

This option would only be offered to students who have completed the Area Study course on a previous Australia program, and will only be allowed if the instructor is available to oversee the independent study.  The option may not be available in all years.

Student Life

Brisbane, affectionately referred to by locals as “Brissy”, is home to over 2.5 million people and is Australia’s largest city by area and third-largest by population. Located on the East Coast, known for its sunny weather, friendly locals, and relaxed lifestyle, Brisbane offers the perfect urban base for study and exploration, with a thriving arts and food scene, riverfront parks, and easy access to beaches and rainforests.

Housing
The first week of this program, accommodations will be in shared apartments, allowing time to get to know your colleagues and the city. In the second week, you’ll meet and move to an Australian host family, where you’ll stay for the remainder of the program. Your room at your host’s home will remain available while you’re away on weekend excursions or field trips.

Transport
You will receive a transit card for access to all of Brisbane’s clean and safe public transport network which includes buses, trains and river ferries. You’ll use the public transport network to travel to classes and your internship placements. Group coach transport will be provided for weekend excursions further afield.

Lectures will be held in the inner-city, close to your apartments, cultural landmarks, cafes, and South Bank parklands—an inspiring setting to study and connect with local life.

Program excursions include visits to Australia Zoo, Parliament House, museums, and art galleries. Weekend excursions will take your learning away from the city—to lush rainforests, sand islands and cultural immersions with Indigenous traditional custodians, in regional areas, showcasing Queensland’s spectacular natural environment.

2026-2027 Fee Breakdown*

Total Fee: $27,008

• $1,860/credit: 12 credits of summer tuition
• $4,688 Overseas Program fee (includes room, board, and administrative fees)

Please note that a financial aid semester can be used for a summer program.

Included in the program fee are room/housing, board/meals, and administrative fees. Not included are airfare, passport and visa expenses, primary insurance coverage, photographs, books, immunizations, and incidentals.

Included in the program fee are room/housing, board/meals, and administrative fees. Not included are airfare, passport and visa expenses, primary insurance coverage, photographs, books, immunizations, and incidentals. 

*Fees are updated every October for the following academic year. The fees for the Summer 2026 program will be updated here as soon as they are finalized.

Stipend: Students will receive a stipend to cover the cost of meals and transportation costs not covered by the program fee.

Estimated Airfare (Round Trip PDX to SYD): $1,500 - $2,000

Estimated Health Insurance Fee: TBD

Estimated Visa Fee: $130-$150, depending on documents required

All students participating in overseas programs are automatically enrolled in iNext, a supplemental travel insurance program. The fee for iNext is covered in the program cost. However, students are also required to have comprehensive health insurance during their time abroad. All students participating in overseas programs, both abroad and domestic, are automatically enrolled in the College’s student health insurance program. Similar to a regular semester on-campus, students participating in overseas programs may waive enrollment in the student health insurance program if they have other comprehensive health insurance (e.g., through a parent, guardian or employer) that 1) provides coverage for them in the geographic region in which they will be studying and 2) includes mental health benefits. Find more information regarding health insurance & overseas programs.

Physical Requirements:

Before applying to this program, you should assess and determine if you are physically
and/or emotionally able to participate in program activities.

This program is designed to foster both professional and personal growth. Days are
often busy with classes, excursions, and internship engagements. Living and learning
alongside others can be both rewarding and demanding. You will have dedicated
guidance and be well supported throughout your program by both your faculty and in-
country staff during independent activities.

Some of the excursions will be held outdoors in forest or marine settings where
participants will spend time walking and/or hiking on uneven ground (including
potentially sandy or hilly slopes). Participants should consider the following
activities/conditions on this program:

• Attending your Internship independently and meeting new people
• Using public transportation independently, including sometimes crowded buses,
  trains or river ferries
• Climbing and descending stairs
• Standing for long periods during tours and site visits
• The possibility of warm/hot temperatures while residing in locations without air
  conditioning, and/or cold temperatures while residing in locations with a
  comfort for lower indoor temperatures
• Swimming, while not required, will be offered regularly in group activities
• Exposure to mosquitoes and other biting insects
• Camping in a tent or bunkhouse with other group members
• Hikes at night with flashlights
• Long, busy days with little downtime and infrequent days off from program activities

If you have questions or are concerned about these or any other program activities, please contact the Lewis & Clark College Overseas & Off-Campus Programs office (overseas@lclark.edu).

Application Process: Applications are due one year before the start of the program. Learn more about our application process.

Second-Step Application Process: Global Education Designs, our Australian program partner, will contact you to collect additional information required for participation. This will include:
1. Internship Application Materials – You’ll be asked to submit a resume,
personal statement, and unofficial transcript.
2. Blue Card Services Application – This certification is required for certain
internship placements involving children or vulnerable groups. The application
process can take time, but you will be guided through each step.
3. Safety and Matching Forms – You’ll complete a Homestay Questionnaire,
Dietary Requirements and Health & Safety Information forms, and a Personal
Indemnity form to help ensure your placement and living arrangements are a
good fit for you.

Visa: Because this program involves an internship, students will be required to apply for a Visitor Visa for Australia. More information about visa requirements will be provided during the semester leading up to the program.

Country-Specific Health Information: View specific health information for people traveling to Australia.

State Department Country Information: Visit the State Department’s Australia page.