Frontiers Abroad

New Zealand Earth and Environmental Science Study Abroad Programmes

Frontiers Abroad offers two unique New Zealand study abroad programmes for geology, earth system, and environmental science and engineering students. Both the Geology of New Zealand and New Zealand Earth Systems combine a 5-week field camp with a campus semester at the University of Canterbury or the University of Auckland. Our programmes combine field-based education, inquiry-based learning, and research projects to provide an incredible study abroad experience. Transcripts for all Frontiers Abroad programmes are provided by Lafayette College, our US school of record.

Frontiers Abroad

The Geology of New Zealand Programme begins with a five-week field camp, a series of mapping exercises and interlinked modules, that explores the stratigraphy, mountain building, and tectonics of the South Island and the volcanology and geothermal geology of the North Island. Following field-camp students transition to a campus semester at the University of Canterbury located in Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island. While at the University of Canterbury students enroll in four courses, one of which is a research methods course based upon data collected in field camp.

"The GEOLOGY programme has been one of the best experiences of my life. Not only did I get to travel to New Zealand, an amazing experience in itself, but I was able to study geological field skills in some of its most spectacular settings, all while in the company of good friends and great instructors. I've found myself at the tops of volcanoes and mountains, I've rafted over and swam beneath waterfalls, and I've hiked and camped over glaciers, in forests, and on top of mountains. New Zealand is an awesome place to spend a semester, and Frontiers Abroad is the best way for a geology student to experience it." – Bryan McAtee, 2009 Lafayette College and Frontiers Abroad student

Additional Geology Information

Earth Systems field camp begins their program studying marine and coastal ecosystems in Roratonga (Cook Islands)

New Zealand Earth Systems Programme analyzes current environmental issues arising from the interface between nature and society. The five-week field camp begins on the beaches and coral reefs of Rarotonga (Cook Islands) studying marine and coastal ecology. The programme then transitions to mainland New Zealand to study geothermal energy, kaitiakitanga, and learn environmental field techniques (water sampling, Ground Penetrating Radar, VibraCore). Earth Systems students can choose to attend the University of Auckland or the University of Canterbury, where they enroll in four courses, one of which is a research methods course based upon data collected in field camp.four courses, one of which is a research methods course based upon data collected in field camp.

"I am a current Frontiers Abroad student studying at the University of Auckland after an amazing five weeks of field camp! I couldn't be more impressed with Frontiers Abroad. The field camp they organized was beyond anything I anticipated. The amount of stuff that we fit into five weeks was incredible. I learned as much (if not more) in that time than I have in any of my semester long college courses. Dan, Max and Darren are all great, as well as the numerous visiting professors and other assorted experts we spent time with throughout field camp. In my opinion, one of the best things about field camp was how many different topics we covered. Whether your major is Geology, Chemistry, Engineering, etc. etc., the knowledge you gain will be relevant and you"ll learn a lot. And it's not all work- we had plenty of time to enjoy snorkeling, hiking and finding swimming spots :) I would strongly recommend this program to anyone who is interested in any aspect of environmental science. I'm only a few weeks into the actual semester here in Auckland, but I love it so far! Choosing to come to NZ with Frontiers Abroad has been one of the best experiences of my life. If you're considering applying, stop thinking and do it already! You won't regret it." Jammie Shannon - 2010 Pomona College and Frontiers Abroad student

Additional Earth Systems Information

Central to both programmes is research based learning. Data collected during field camp is analyzed over the campus semester.

Click here view past student research projects

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