Overview

Experience the North Island of New Zealand through outdoor education and pursuits with AustraLearn and AUT University.

This course is designed for you to prepare and carry out multi-day activity plans in the outdoors. You will demonstrate effective management of self, equipment, and environmental impact in the outdoors with an ability to appreciate and personally reflect upon leading and participating in outdoor events. You will develop skills in map reading, camp craft, weather interpretation, and effective outdoor planning through participation in several hands-on expeditions throughout the scenic North Island. Lectures on Maori culture, native flora and fauna, environmental conservation, and more will complement the outdoor curriculum in relevant settings. The program encourages all students to bond together, to trust and respect one another, and to learn how to work together as a team.

AUT Outdoors is the leader in the fields of outdoor education, adventure education and experiential learning in New Zealand. Students enrolled in the Outdoors Major develop their core competencies in technical skills, theoretical knowledge, and teaching/leadership practices through an engaging combination of coursework and field experiences. Outdoor education students gain the benefits of a high-quality University education while mastering the practical skills required for success in the field. The AUT Outdoors faculty members are nationally and internationally renowned for their contributions to outdoor education, yet go out of their way to be highly accessible to each individual student. Small class sizes, combined with field-based coursework, provide students with opportunities to experience both a great depth and breadth of knowledge in outdoor and experiential education.

Location

New Zealand has been alluring people to its breath taking shores for many years. To truly experience and appreciate the magnificence of this land and supreme coastline, a passion for the outdoors is essential. Through both land-based and water-based outdoor pursuits, this course will expose you directly to New Zealand’s spectacular natural environment. The course begins on a local Maori marae and travels to Auckland’s breathtaking Hauraki Gulf, the Waikato region’s rolling green countryside, and Lake Taupo’s stunning bays and volcanic mountains. (Field trip locations are subject to change.)

This three week course will allow you to travel through the heart of the North Island of New Zealand, alongside Outdoor Education experts from AUT University. From the shores of Auckland to the mountains of Lake Taupo, you will take part in navigating your way through the beauty of New Zealand.

Academic Focus

Course Structure

This course is run by the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences Division of Sport and Recreation at AUT University. Learning outcomes will include preparing and carrying out multi-day activity plans in the outdoors; demonstrating effective management of self, equipment and environmental impacts in the outdoors; reflection upon outdoor events with reference to leading and participation; and demonstrating core outdoor pursuit skills, along with safety skills. The course will travel to physically demanding locations. Students should be interested in the outdoors and truely enjoy gaining new outdoor skills during their time in New Zealand. During the course you will take part in the following:

• Sea Kayaking
• Travel planning and equipment planning
• Weather mapping
• Study of tidal charts
• Navigation
• Rock Climbing Skills
• Tramping Expedition
• Hut/Tent Camping Skills

Assessment

You will take part in lectures, practical workshops, and expeditions, in which you will be challenged cognitively and physically. Course assessment will include producing an activity plan, portfolio, and writing in a daily journal. An overall evaluation of your technical pursuit skills will also take place.

Credits

Upon successful completion of this course, students will receive 3-4 US credits on an AUT University transcript.

Program Highlights

• Experience outdoor education at its finest in the heart of New Zealand
• No prior outdoor experience is necessary
• Learn new skills through various outdoor pursuits such as sea kayaking, camping, hiking and rock climbing
• Interact directly with New Zealand’s unique geology, rain forests and marine environments
• Evaluate and enhance your approach to trip planning, teamwork and self-leadership 
• Gain an insight into the native Maori culture and its strong connection to the land, while staying on a local marae
• The program encourages all students to bond together, to trust and respect one another, and to learn how to work together as a team
• Most gear is provided - everything except hiking boots, sleeping bag, and outdoor clothing
• Travel to off-the-beaten path locations in New Zealand

Who Should Apply

Open to students of all majors who have completed at least one full year of full-time university study. May be of particular interest to students studying outdoor education, recreational studies, cultural studies, physical sciences, geography, and other related subject areas. This course is physically demanding and will take place in the outdoors of New Zealand; students should have a keen interest in outdoor pursuits and enjoy a variety of outdoor environments and challenges.

Accommodations

During the Outdoor Essentials in Aotearoa/New Zealand short term program students will stay in a variety of accommodations based on the location of the course.

Students will be housed in shared bedrooms/dorm style housing in hostels with shared bathroom facilities. Students will also partake in various camping trips during the program. Students will stay in tents (provided by AUT University) and huts provided by the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) depending on the location during the camping trips.

You can feel certain that your housing will be safe, secure, and clean, and that you will be satisfied with your short course program choice.

Travel: Group Flights

AustraLearn works together with STA Travel's group ticket office to arrange group flights for all short course students. This insures that students can travel as a cohesive group to the program destination. Airfare is not included in program fees and payment of airfare is the responsibility of the student, however AustraLearn seeks the lowest possible student rate before reserving seats for participants to purchase, while still maintaining the flexibility that allows students to explore the country or surrounding countries at the conclusion of their short term program.  

Flexible Return Date

Additionally, group flights have a flexible return date. Students may choose their own return date to allow for personal travel after the conclusion of the program. Many students choose to extend their time overseas and travel independently after the program's end. We can provide you with useful travel resources and advice, as well as refer you to travel opportunities that can be pre-booked.

Scholarships Available

Featured Scholarships for All AustraLearn Students

Participants of AustraLearn programs are eligible for scholarships through The Foundation for Asia Pacific Education. More information about these awards can be found at www.asia-pacificfoundation.org/.  

Participants of AustraLearn programs are also eligible for the DiversityAbroad.com's Study Abroad Scholarship. Find more information and apply for this award at http://www.diversityabroad.com/scholarships.  

Other General Study Abroad Scholarships

We encourage students to consider other information sources to locate scholarships such as your library, bookstore, internet, local service organizations such as Rotary or Knights of Columbus, and professional organizations in your area and home country which may offer scholarships.

To get started, visit the AustraLearn Short Course Scholarship Resource page.

Fees

Fee Includes

Program Fees are in U.S. dollars. Program fees include tuition, official transcript, accommodation, host university administrative fees, health insurance, ISIC Basic Card, some meals, classroom materials, domestic transportation, airport pickup/drop-off, field trips/excursions listed in program itinerary, and some gear hire. Fees include all pre-trip services such as: orientation materials, visa assistance, housing placements, personal advising, liaise with your home university, credit transfer assistance, and financial aid services.

International Airfare, personal expenses and some meals are an additional cost.

Fee Semester

Dates

Entry Requirements

AustraLearn Coordinator

Name: Kimberly Tibbetts Title: Manager, Short Term Programs Department: Short Courses and Specialty Programs BIO: Kimberly is the Manager of Short Term Programs at AustraLearn. Kimberly works with all Short Term Program Participants. Kimberly graduated with a BA in History from the University of Colorado-Boulder. While studying at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, Kimberly discovered a love for travel and international education. She has traveled extensively throughout New Zealand and hopes to see more of Australia and Europe. She is very excited about spreading her passion for education and travel.