Australia: Lauren Billings
Program: James Cook University, Spring
Major: Environmental Sciences, Forest Science
How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?
One notable difference was the course delivery format. To make classes accessible across remote areas of North Queensland, JCU offers hybrid options taught simultaneously across multiple campuses. The experience felt reminiscent of the gradual return to in-person learning in 2021, and personally, it wasn’t my preferred way to learn. When instructors struggled with the technology, it slowed the pace of class, and the attention required to manage the virtual side sometimes came at the expense of in-room engagement. The academic rigor also felt comparatively lighter. I was surprised to find that upper-level undergraduate courses, some of which included graduate students, were dedicating time to skills like reading academic papers, something covered in our first year at UW-Madison, if not earlier! That said, it deepened my appreciation for the quality of education I receive back home, even when Madison’s classes present their own challenges. On the bright side, the ecology labs were a highlight! They were engaging, hands-on, and refreshingly shorter than the three-hour lab blocks I’m used to at Madison. The campus itself was amazing. Walking through JCU Cairns brought you on the edges of the rainforest, with a creek running through the grounds and greenery everywhere. It was a peaceful contrast to the energy of downtown Madison.
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
My most memorable experience was taking a day trip with friends I made in the program up to the Tablelands, a scenic area in the ranges of Far North Queensland. We spent the day exploring waterfalls, visiting local farms, and swimming in natural swimming holes. The scenery was stunning! It reminded me of driving through Wisconsin’s rolling cow fields, yet felt entirely different because of the lush tropical vegetation surrounding everything. It was especially rewarding to see sites that were special to my local friends and discover some of the region’s lesser-known local spots that hadn’t been overrun by tourists.
There is something about being physically surrounded by what you’re studying that makes the learning stick in a way that a lecture hall rarely can.
How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?
This experience pushed my learning well beyond the classroom. Volunteering at a sea turtle rehabilitation centre on campus gave me practical conservation experience, while my coursework challenged me to think about ecology in applied, real-world terms rather than purely theoretical ones. Some of my richest learning, however, happened outside of class entirely. Immersed in a completely new ecosystem, I spent my free time identifying native birds (spotting upwards of 50 species), exploring local trees, plants, and soils, and diving into topics like coral reef ecosystems and Indigenous fire practices. I even researched and wrote a paper on global markets and sulphur-crested cockatoos! There is something about being physically surrounded by what you’re studying that makes the learning stick in a way that a lecture hall rarely can. I also came away with a genuine appreciation for Indigenous Australian cultures that I had little prior exposure to, which broadened how I think about land, ecosystems, and the communities connected to both. The skills, perspectives, and curiosity this experience ignited are things I will carry into my studies and career long after returning home.
CRICOS Provider: 00117J