Environmental Science Study Abroad Australia

Sean Overcash Start Date: Jun 22, 2018 - End Date: Mar 21, 2019
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Intern Abroad
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Cairns QLD, Australia

My Travel Story

by: Sean Overcash Start Date: Jun 22, 2018 - End Date: Mar 21, 2019
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Intern Abroad
  • Study/Degree Abroad
My name is Sean David Overcash and I am a 23 year old Western Washington University Undergraduate student. I am majoring in Environmental Policy and minoring in Environmental Science. I currently have a 3.47 GPA and will be participating in the Wildland Studies Tropical Ecosystems study abroad program in Cairns, Australia during spring quarter 2019. My career goals are to eventually work in the recreation and conservation fields.

In the school year of 2018-2019, I will be a senior and have 3 quarters to complete before I graduate. I also have to complete a senior project, internship, or a study abroad in order to graduate. I applied, and was accepted, to this study abroad program through Wildlands Studies in Australia because of the biodiversity, tropical rain forests, the outback, the great barrier reef, the aboriginal culture, and the people that are found there. The 3 classes that this program offers (ESCI 437A, ESCI 437B, ESCI 437C) are already vetted through my university (Huxley College of the Environment), and will fulfill my last required classes along with the study abroad requirement I need in order to graduate with my major in Environmental Policy and minor in Environmental Science at the end of spring quarter 2019.

This program is based in the field and is hands on which is how I learn the best. With this program I will study the region’s diverse habitats, flora, and fauna ranging from tropical rain forests to coral reefs and the connectivity between them. I will become familiar with species identification and ecological concepts. I will learn about cultural, political, and management history of the region. I will also meet with local residents and aboriginal groups of the area and learn from their perspectives on sustainability, management, and policy. I will be designing and conducting research projects following a research process while gaining skills in working with groups, taking and using feedback, managing, synthesizing and interpreting information, presenting interpretations in oral presentation and in written form, and taking field observations. I will also gain hands on experience with many different conservation projects with many conservation agencies.

I currently work with Skagit County as a seasonal laborer during the week and with Angel of the Winds Casino as a grounds keeper during the weekend in order to make ends meet. I recently moved out of my father’s house into a travel trailer by myself. I pay rent monthly along with other bills. I work two jobs in order to support myself and fund my education. I currently am struggling financially and do not have the money to fund this study abroad which is why I am in need of financial assistance in order to attend and graduate. I am a first generation college student and struggle with dyslexia as well.

This program will enable me to graduate with my Bachelors major in Environmental Policy and minor in Environmental Science in the year of 2019. It will also give me a lot of experience that will apply to the conservation and recreation fields that I seek as a career. I am in need for financial assistance because of financial hardship and disabilities. Thank you for taking the time to read my application and for your consideration. I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,
Sean Overcash     sdo122@gmail.com
  • Cairns QLD, Australia

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