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New Zealand (Winter Break)

Experience the natural beauty of New Zealand’s South Island while being introduced to the agriculture and natural resources of the area! The program allows students to explore the amazing countryside, from the Pacific Ocean to the Southern Alps, as well as the city of Christchurch and the village of Lincoln.

The program mixes lectures on the environment, arable farming, the wine industry and tourism while combining visits to farms, natural wonders and cultural sites.

Program excursions include whitewater rafting down the Rangitata River, whale watching off the coast of Kaikoura, hiking on the Franz Joseph Glacier and visiting a Maori Marae. During the program students also visit the Antarctic Center and experience what it is like to be in an arctic snow and ices storm.

So, if you are interested in learning about the agriculture and natural resources of New Zealand, then this is the program for you!

New Zealand (Winter Break) Program Brochure (PDF)

Location

The program is based in the town of Lincoln at Lincoln University on the South Island. Lincoln is a small town with about 3,000 people, but is only about 25 minutes from Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. Buses run frequently between Lincoln and Christchurch.

Since it is in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are shifted from those in the U.S.A. Therefore, since the program takes place during our winter, it is summer in New Zealand. The average high temperature in Christchurch in January is 71 and the average low is 54. In terms of the time difference, in January, when it is 1 p.m. on Wednesday in Missouri, it is 8 a.m. on Thursday in New Zealand.

Academics

Students earn three credits of International Agriculture/Natural Resources 2190, which can be allocated for CAFNR students as three credits of Ag Elective. Students are required to attend all three orientations related to this program during the fall semester. The academic program consists of lectures on campus at Lincoln University and excursions around campus and the South Island related to the lectures.

While in New Zealand, students are required to keep journals about their experiences and are also given journal topics to turn into the accompanying CAFNR faculty/staff adviser. In addition, students are given an exam by Lincoln University faculty on the program lectures and excursions. Finally, students are required to compile a 10-page portfolio with pictures and comments discussing what they have seen and learned in New Zealand and how it compares to their experiences in the United States.

Requirements

2.5 GPA
Good academic standing.
This program is open to all MU students.

Accommodations

Students stay in dormitories at Lincoln University while on campus and eat most meals on campus. Students also have computer and internet access while on campus at Lincoln. While on excursions, accommodations will be provided in youth hostels or hotels.

New Zealand Links

Costs

Program: New Zealand Winter Break 2007-2008
Dates: December 27, 2007 - January 20, 2008

New Zealand Winter Break 2007-2008 (early estimate)*
Tuition and Fees (in-state students) 3 credits:	$707
Program Fee:	$2,490
International Center Fees and MU Fees:	$109
CAFNR Study Abroad Grant:	-$566
Airfare:	$2,225
Total Cost for 2007-2008:	$4,990

*Important Notice

The above costs are estimates for Winter Break 2007-2008 based on 20 students on the program. Costs are estimates for in-state students and include some meals, but do not include personal spending money. Non-resident students will also be billed for 20 percent of their non-resident fees for the number of credits on the program. Please check with the Program Director for updated cost information.