Study Abroad in New Zealand & Fiji: Adventures in Culture, Health and Environment
~~May 16 to June 8, 2009 (New Zealand, 6 credits)
~~June 9 to June 16, 2009 (Fiji, 3 credits)
New Zealand and the South Pacific islands include some of the most impressively beautiful and diverse places on earth, with towering snow-capped mountains, massive temperate and tropical forests with unique wildlife, active volcanoes, geysers and hot-springs and expanses of dramatic and peaceful beaches. Also culturally diverse and unique, New Zealand is home to many Pacific Island groups including the indigenous Maori.
Our interdisciplinary summer study abroad program focuses on health and the environment from a social and cultural perspective. These are traveling programs, where you get to experience many parts of the country through excursions and activities.
The 22-day New Zealand program travels from the south to north of the country, and some of the planned features include Maori and Pacific Island healing workshops, farmstays, guided kayaking, dolphin swims, geothermal exploring and museums. Some courses include a service learning and/or research component; all courses are experiential, and get us out and about as much as possible. The schedule is designed also to support additional optional adventures on free days.
An easy stopover between New Zealand and the U.S., participants also have the option of an 8-day Fiji extension of the program. In this warm, friendly and stunning tropical Pacific Island nation, we spend our time in research and experiential activities related to developing sustainable health and environmental solutions in indigenous Fijian off-shore island, coastal and highland communities.
Estimated fee for 2009 for the New Zealand program is $2,995, which covers all accommodation, excursions, cultural events, insurance, ground transportation, and about half of all meals. Tuition (6 credit hours), international airfare (approximately $1400), and remaining meals are additional.
Estimated program fee for the Fiji option is $1,495 (covering in-country transport, activities and most meals), and airfare is $150 additional. Tuition (3 credit hours) is also additional.
Courses are all designed to be suitable for non-majors and students from a wide range of backgrounds or with no prior health or environment experience, and as such also have no prerequisites. Course options include:
- ASB 443 | Cross-Cultural Studies in Global Health (New Zealand) (3) Fulfills CLAS Science & Society
- ASB 452 | Community Partnerships for Global Health (Fiji) (3)
- ASB 512 | Social Science Applications in Community Health (New Zealand or Fiji) (3)
- ASM 494 | Urban and Environmental Health (New Zealand) (3) Fulfills CLAS Science & Society
- ASM 591 | Urban and Environmental Health (New Zealand) (3)
- SSH 400 | Poverty, Social Justice, & Global Health (New Zealand or Fiji) (3) Fulfills General Studies L, SB & G
- SSH 403 | Cross-Cultural Studies in Global Health (New Zealand) (3) Fulfills CLAS Science & Society
- SSH 494 | Urban and Environmental Health (New Zealand) (3)
- SSH 512 | Social Science Applications in Community Health (New Zealand or Fiji) (3)
Call for applications opens in November and closes in early February.
For more information, e-mail or call the undergraduate advisor at 480-965-4628.