We're Back!

Actually, we've been back since Feb. 2. We had a fantastic trip. Students are all now working hard to digest what they learned and shape it into thesis projects. For some great memories of a great journey down under see: https://picasaweb.google.com/107048551698393669759/SADUSlideShow#slideshow/5705887258581834642

Melbourne RMIT Construction Field Trips

While in Melbourne, we visit 3 major live construction sites, arranged for us by the School of Property, Construction and Project Management at RMIT (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology). We are indeed treated royally and see the awesome sustainable designs taking shape in the Lacrosse Apartment complex, the Melbourne Convention Center, and the new RMIT Business School. Impossible to describe the level of design and construction sophistication of these buildings. A few Pictures may approach it.

Roof of Lacrosse Apartments under Construction

Inside Melbourne Convention Center

RMIT New Business Building

Marvelous Melbourne

On our first full day in Melbourne we visit the southern Pacific Coast of Australia via the Great Ocean Road. Here are a few photos. Click for bigger view.

"12 Apostles" on the Great Ocean Road

An Apostle and Followers

War Eagle Beach 

Happy New Year from Sydney

Chris Braswell continues to lead a charmed life, and he's capturing it all on film! Photo above was taken of fireworks display on the Sydney Harbor bridge New Years eve.  A total stranger gave Chris a pass to the Opera House viewing stands. Millions of commoners watched from much further away. Great shot Chris of a spectacular fireworks show! To see more of our students' photos and stories from the trip visit the Travelers page and select one of their blog links.

Arrival

Dear Students,

A few notes as we prepare for our Sydney Arrival:

• Most of you will be traveling on same DELTA flight from LA to Sydney. Prof. Hein & Emily Key and Anoop will meet you at the Sydney Airport baggage claim for your flight. We will not have cell phone contact upon arrival, so keep a sharp eye out for each other. We will travel as a group by train from there to our Sydney housing at Wesley College. 
• Note that the blog calendar is filling up with event details. We've added a Housing page with information for housing locations in each city.
• Course website has important information regarding assignments and test.
• Post your questions on the course blog Q&A page for all to read.

Safe Travels,
mh 

Blog Addresses

Dear Students,

Currently we have only 5 student Travel Blog addresses listed on the course blog. Please reply to this email with your blog address before you leave for Sydney. We want to post these addresses so they are accessible to your family and friends and so we may begin grading your blog entries.

Thanks,
mh 

Pre-departure Meeting - 12/02/2011


3:15 - 4:15 Our last meeting with all travelers before Sydney.


Students attending: Jason Kay, Will Guthrie, Christopher Barksdale, Caitlyn Gullate, Jay McDaniel, Andrew Roberts, Matt Ryan, Steele Taylor, Alex, Brooke Burcham. Meghan Joyce, Ben Cantrell, Stuart Schmidtke, Emily Key, Patrick Davis


Faculty attending: Anoop Sattineni, Michael Hein, Richard Burt

• Orientation Session with Corbin and Joan from AU Office of International Travel. 
• They review the AU rules and regulations for Study Abroad Programs and provide suggestions for safe travel abroad.  
• Each traveler is issued an emergency insurance card that will cover them while on the trip. 

4:30 - 6:00  Group loads up their luggage and treks to Mellow Mushroom for a trial "Walkabout". 

• After returning to Gorrie Center some final review of expected behavior abroad:

      "Don't embarrass me; don't embarrass yourself."

• Always follow the "Buddy System" - never travel alone.
• Be sure to bring unlocked GSM Cellphone with you. You will be issued SIM cards for Australia and New Zealand.
• You need to have finished book and two videos by Dec 29, when you will be tested in Sydney.
• Nearly all students traveling on same DELTA flight LA to Sydney.
• Students meet Prof. Hein and Sattineni at Sydney Airport on Dec. 28. 
• Keep in touch by frequently checking blog. Post questions, answers, comments there.

Merry Christmas! Safe Travels! See you Down Under