AUIP New Zealand Short Program (4 weeks/6 credits)

  New Zealand

• Christchurch: 
Christchurch
• All Other Areas in New Zealand: 
South Island

Term: Summer, Winter 
Dates: May 17 - June 11, 2010

Description: This 3.5-week, 6-credit experiential program uses the theme of sustainable development to explore the relationship between people and their natural environment. New Zealand's isolation, after its separation from the ancient Gondwanaland millions of years ago, has left this island nation with a unique natural heritage. Imagine visiting snow-capped mountains rising 12,000 feet out of the sea; cruising the largest fiords in the world; hiking massive glaciers carving their way to the ocean; experiencing close encounters with flora and fauna unknown elsewhere in the world; kayaking to deserted beaches through turquoise waters; and discovering the stunning scenery of the Lord of the Rings. New Zealand's South Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

This program can be combined with an 8-day program in Fiji and/or an 8-day program in Sydney for up to 12 semester credits.

Objectives:

1. Understand the natural history, biogeography, ecological diversity, and related social and cultural contexts of New Zealand through an exploration of the South Islands network of national parks and protected areas, which encompass rainforests, glaciers, mountains, coastlines, marine reserves, and offshore islands.
2. Understand the impacts of human actions on the natural systems, and human responses to those changes, using the case of New Zealand's South Island;
3. Develop an understanding of ecological education practices, integrated natural resource management, and conservation actions throughout New Zealand's South Island.
4. Be able to address relationships between human societies and their natural environments from multiple disciplinary perspectives and to develop a complex, multi-faceted and holistic view of human environment connections that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Highlights:
* New Zealand is one of the most geographically diverse countries in the world with temperate rainforests, glaciers, golden sand beaches, deep fiords, alpine herb fields, and rugged coastlines.
* You will spend much of your time (~70%) out in the field, visiting and observing New Zealand first-hand. At AUIP, we believe that students learn from study abroad experiences both in and outside of the classroom.
* You have the chance to hike on a glacier, swim with dolphins, kayak to golden beaches, and cruise one of the largest fiords in the world
* You will learn from leading Kiwi academics and professionals with expertise in subjects related to the Humans & the Environment theme.

Cost in US$: USD 3,050

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Participants Travel to New Zealand Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 15 - 30

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application

AUIP - American Universities International Programs's Mission Statement: The mission of AUIP is to nurture and foster a global citizenry that respects the diverse cultures and environments of the world in which we live. More specifically, we hope that students who participate in programs with AUIP are better prepared to use this global knowledge in their home community with both short-term and long-term implications. No prior knowledge of the subject areas or environmental issues is assumed, and the courses and programs are suitable for all undergraduate students.

Year Founded: 1971