Study Abroad in Thailand, Indonesia, New Zealand, Australia

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Sojourning near the Equator

Australia, New Zealand, and the islands of the South Pacific are great destinations for those of you who love the outdoors. This part of the world has amazing landscapes and outdoor activities that will dazzle and amaze you. Where else can you climb to the summit of a glacier, skydive, snuggle up to a crocodile, and go snorkeling in an ancient coral reef? The options are endless! Why not try scuba diving in crystal clear water, white-water rafting, deep sea fishing, whale watching, sailing, or surfing? And don't forget the national sport in this part of the world: rugby. So, what are you waiting for? Get out your pack and choose an adventure if you're studying in this part of the world!

Koh Tao, Thailand

The smallest in a chain of three islands in the Gulf of Thailand Koh Tao is the forgotten neighbor. The three islands, which include Koh Samui and Koh Phangnan, are separated by about an hour's ride on a speedboat. The island next to Koh Tao, Koh Smaui, is famous for its long beaches, expensive resorts, and full moon parties that attract many backpackers, but Koh Tao is the real gem.

An adorable, serene island somewhat hidden in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao translates as "Turtle Island" and for a very good reason: Sea turtles dominate its shores. With beautiful beaches (gorgeous sunsets) and many coral reefs, you get a big bang for your buck here if you're looking to scuba dive. And if you want to get certified, the prices here are a fraction of U.S. prices, and the instruction is just as good. Furthermore, the weather is generally great all year around. February and March are usually the warmest months with very little rainfall, while November is probably the most rainy.

You can get a beachfront bungalow here for as little as $5-$10 a night.

North Sulawesi Island, Indonesia

You can fly to North Sulawesi Island from Singapore or Jakarta. The island is not insane with tourists like Ibiza or Bali and the people are great. North Sulawesi is one of the 32 provinces in the Republic of Indonesia. The terrain on the island is extremely mountainous and hilly (good for hiking!) but also has quite a few lakes. North Sulawesi has a typical equatorial climate with two seasons: rainy (November to March) and dry (April to October).

The highland town of Tondano comes highly recommended. Located above a lake, it's surrounded by oceans, world-class off-shore snorkeling, and jungles. Here you can also explore the rice paddies, clove or coconut plantations, and flower gardens. And you can easily spend a day hiking to a mountain waterfall or soaking in a hot spring.

The island has an endless amount of scuba diving options, as well. You can dive to see the coral gardens of Bunaken Marine Park or view the whales, manta rays, and other ocean creatures at Bangka Strait. After a short sail to the Sangihe Islands, you can explore the fish and underwater volcanoes or go in search of a sunken city. Divers can also investigate World War II shipwrecks or the unusual and rarely seen marine life at Lembeh Strait.