Study Abroad In

New Zealand

Find yourself on the other side of the world...New Zealand.

When: January Interim 2012

Academics: Earn 3 credits of non-laboratory science for your core requirements. This course is designed to introduce students to the cultural and biological diversity of New Zealand. This multi-week trip will include visits to reintroduction/colony sites of many endangered species, the major cities of New Zealand, and strong-holds of the first settlers of New Zealand.

Trip participants will interact with third grade students at Balmville Elementary School to explore the differences in biological diversity and conservation, and in environmental practices between the United States and New Zealand.

Affiliated Institution: All courses and faculty members are associated with Mount Saint Mary College and all credits will be issued by the institution.

Immersion Opportunities:

  • Trip to Rotarua to experience flourishing Maori culture
  • Kiwi release and radio tracking in Wetland National Park
  • Visit the Albatross and Yellow-Eyed Penguin colonies

Facilities: Lectures will be conducted at various sites throughout New Zealand including Victoria University, Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary, Otago Peninsula Royal Albatross, and Kapiti Island Nature Preserve.

Housing:  Students will stay in fully-equipped youth hostels with one or two nights of camping in the national parks. Hostels are well-maintained, clean, and safe, and meet all national safety standards.

Application: Students can download the study abroad application.

The Office of International Programs reviews completed applications on a rolling basis. The final deadline for applications is October 31, 2011.

Costs: Approximate costs are $4,200, and include airfare, tuition, housing, transportation, and comprehensive health insurance.

Student Experience: Our study abroad programs are designed to equal the quality of academic rigor expected at Mount Saint Mary College. The biology course taught in New Zealand will meet the requirements for classroom time and give students new perspective on integrated and experiential learning. Students will be responsible for giving a presentation on a topic that will provide a background on New Zealand for all trip participants during the fall semester prior to departure.

Physical Requirements: This program requires students to be in moderate physical shape. Students should be able to carry their own backpacks on walks and able to camp, live, and learn in a fairly rustic environment.

Admission: The rolling admission process ensures that students receive their acceptance letters in an appropriate time frame. Our policies on acceptance to the program help to ensure that students are capable of performing at the same academic standard as their home college or university. All students must complete an application including a personal statement, copies of their official transcripts, and a letter of recommendation. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required for admission.

For more information: To request more information about MSMC’s study abroad programs, please contact:

Emily Marmo, Office of International Programs
Mount Saint Mary College, 330 Powell Avenue, Newburgh, NY 12550
emily.marmo@msmc.edu
845-569-3262