2026 Faculty Development Program in AustraliaEducation, Policy, and Place-Based LearningSeptember 12–23, 2026
Trip# 1085-2026-Australia
Program Overview
Join ARAMFO for a 12-day, hands-on faculty development seminar across three Australian education hubs. Engage with universities, public schools, ministries, and museum educators to explore teacher autonomy, equity, inclusion, and place-based learning—from Sydney’s innovative schools to Canberra’s national policy institutions and Cairns’ Great Barrier Reef education sites. Daily reflections help you translate insights for your home programs and courses.
Program Highlights
University partnerships: Seminars/roundtables with University of Sydney, UTS, University of Canberra, ANU, and James Cook University (Cairns).
School observations: Model public/independent schools in NSW & ACT (subject to term calendars/approvals).
Policy in context: Dialogues with NSW Dept. of Education / ACT Education Directorate.
Place-based learning: Educator-led Reef & rainforest programming (Cairns Aquarium; Great Barrier Reef education cruise; Indigenous-led cultural learning).
Applied takeaways: Syllabi mapping workshop; assessment & inclusion practices; capstone action plans.
Hotels (or similar)
Canberra: QT Canberra – 2 nights
Cairns: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort – 4 nights
Sydney: Vibe Hotel Sydney (CBD) – 3 nights + 1 night
Day 1 – Sat, Sept 12: Departure (USA → Australia)
• Evening departure JFK → Sydney (overnight; crossing International Date Line).
Day 2 – Sun, Sept 13: In Transit
• Flight in transit due to time change.
Day 3 – Mon, Sept 14: Arrive Sydney & Welcome (Sydney)
• Breakfast: —
• Morning arrival Sydney; private coach to hotel & check-in.
• Light orientation walk (CBD & Circular Quay).
• Program briefing & safety briefing.
• Welcome Dinner (D) with local educators.
• Overnight: Sydney.
Day 4 – Tue, Sept 15: Universities & Schools (Sydney)
• Breakfast at hotel (B).
• University of Sydney, School of Education & Social Work: seminar & campus visit (teacher autonomy; inclusion). (L included – campus cafeteria)
• UTS Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences (teacher education): methods, practicum partnerships.
• Afternoon school visit (NSW public or independent; pending approvals).
• Evening at leisure.
• Overnight: Sydney.
Day 5 – Wed, Sept 16: Policy & Practice + Learning in the City (Sydney)
• Breakfast at hotel (B).
• NSW Department of Education / institute visit: curriculum, assessment & equity.
• Harbour field-class: educator-led “city as classroom” activity (history/civics & coastal environments). (L included)
• Optional: Sydney Observatory or Museum of Contemporary Art (education teams, if available).
• Overnight: Sydney.
Day 6 – Thu, Sept 17: Transfer to Policy Capital (Canberra)
• Breakfast at hotel (B).
• Private coach Sydney → Canberra (approx. 3.5 hrs; comfort stop).
• University of Canberra, Faculty of Education: roundtable on initial teacher education & clinical models.
• National Library/National Portrait Gallery educator session (learning with collections).
• Overnight: Canberra.
Day 7 – Fri, Sept 18: Policy, Research & Museums (Canberra)
• Breakfast at hotel (B).
• Australian National University (ANU): seminar on education policy & comparative systems. (L included – campus venue)
• ACT Education Directorate: briefing on inclusion & student well-being.
• National Museum of Australia: educator workshop (object-based learning).
• Overnight: Canberra.
Day 8 – Sat, Sept 19: Fly to the Tropics (Cairns)
• Breakfast at hotel (B).
• Short flight Canberra → Cairns; hotel check-in.
• Cairns Aquarium education program (tropical ecosystems & curriculum tie-ins).
• Evening at leisure (Esplanade).
• Overnight: Cairns.
Day 9 – Sun, Sept 20: Great Barrier Reef Educator Day (Cairns)
• Breakfast at hotel (B).
• Full-day Great Barrier Reef education cruise with marine biologist briefing, guided snorkel, and reef stewardship module. (L included on board)
• Post-field reflection session.
• Overnight: Cairns.
Day 10 – Mon, Sept 21: University & Indigenous-Led Learning (Cairns)
• Breakfast at hotel (B).
• James Cook University (College of Arts, Society & Education): sessions on place-based learning & sustainability education. (L included – campus)
• Indigenous-led cultural learning (e.g., Rainforestation Pamagirri experience or comparable partner): pedagogy, language & country.
• Overnight: Cairns.
Day 11 – Tue, Sept 22: Capstone & Farewell (Return to Sydney)
• Breakfast at hotel (B).
• Flight Cairns → Sydney; hotel check-in.
• Capstone workshop: translate insights into course/module revisions; peer feedback & action plans.
• Farewell Dinner (D) and certificate presentation.
• Overnight: Sydney.
• Breakfast at hotel (B).
• ARAMFO will arrange for one group transportation to the airport at a time when most participants will leave the host country.
Program Cost Covers:
Round-trip international airfare JFK ↔ Australia (included in the $4,450 option)
(flights from other states can be arranged for an additional fee).Two domestic flights in Australia (Canberra → Cairns; Cairns → Sydney)
10 hotel nights (twin share) with daily breakfast
Welcome & Farewell Dinners (2)
3 working lunches (Days 4, 7, 10) + Reef cruise lunch (Day 9)
All scheduled university/school/policy visits & educator workshops
Great Barrier Reef education cruise & snorkeling program (gear included)
Museum/aquarium educator programs & admissions as listed
Unless otherwise stated, transportation to and from scheduled program activities is included.
Program management, local guides, taxes & service charges
ARAMFO will arrange for one group transportation to and from the airport at a time when most participants will arrive in or leave the host country.
Cost Does Not Include
- Travel and health insurance.
(can be purchased from our partners here (International Travel Insurance) - Checked baggage fees on any flights.
- Airport transfers for arrivals or departures outside the main group schedule (available for an additional fee).
- Activities or meals that are not specifically listed in the itinerary.
- Tips and gratuities.
The Program Cost is $4,450
Single Room Policy:
Single rooms are available for an additional $600, subject to hotel availability. Payment is due 90 days before departure.
The Program Cost is $4,450
Single rooms are available for an additional $600, subject to hotel availability. Payment is due 90 days before departure.
Funding Your Participation
We encourage you to seek travel and professional development funding from your institution. Many faculty members receive support through internal programs and offices listed below.
- Offices of international programs or global engagement
- Academic affairs or faculty development
- Teaching and learning centers
- Research and travel grants
- Official invitation letter and program details
- Confirmation of invited role such as presenter, panelist, session participant, or workshop contributor
- Itemized cost overview to support internal funding requests
This educational trip may be funded out of pocket or through institutional support. Schools and universities may cover the full cost or offer partial sponsorship for faculty participation.
ARAMFO Payment Plan Options
We believe every participant should be able to travel without financial stress. The plans below provide flexible options to fit different budgets.
Option 1: Pay in Full at Enrollment (No Fee)
- Pay the entire program balance at the time of enrollment.
- Accepted methods: credit card, debit card, ACH, personal checks, and bank transfers.
Option 2: Automatic Payment Plan (No Fee)
Set up automatic monthly or bi-weekly payments with no additional fees. Payments are scheduled until 30 days before departure.
How it works
- No enrollment or plan fees.
- First payment of $300 due within 30 days of registration; credited toward your total balance.
- Choose monthly or bi-weekly automatic payments.
- At least $1,500 paid no later than 90 days before departure.
- Final balance paid no later than 55 days before departure.
- You may pay off your balance early at any time without fees.
- Accepted methods: credit card, debit card, ACH, personal checks, and bank transfers.
Cancellation Policy
- 50% of the paid amount refunded between 100 and 91 days prior to departure.
- 40% of the paid amount refunded between 90 and 61 days prior to departure.
- 30% of the paid amount refunded between 60 and 51 days prior to departure.
- No refund within 50 days of departure.
Trip# 1084-2026-Australia
