pacific rim studies (waikato university)

Join World Endeavors for unique semester of Pacific Rim Studies in New Zealand. You will earn academic credit and a certificate in Pacific Rim Studies while studying alongside students from New Zealand and all over the world. Explore the cultures of the indigenous people of the Pacific region, in particular, the Maori people, in the context of social, cultural, economic, and political change. Courses are offered in history, linguistics and anthropology. Students will gain a better understanding of the indigenous cultures of the Pacific region and the issues that these people face today while exploring the rich, colorful Maori core of New Zealand's identity.

New Zealand lies in the South Pacific and consists of two main islands, the North and South Islands. The country is three hours by air from the east coast of Australia, and is an overnight flight from the western United States. This unique country, with a population of only 3.5 million, is similar in geographical size to the United Kingdom or Japan, but its breath-taking scenery sets it apart from the rest of the world. From rolling green farmlands dotted with sheep, to barren volcanic desert areas, from golden beaches with crystal clear blue water to majestic snow covered mountains. New Zealand offers a sample of every possible landscape and recreational opportunity. Its people (known the world over as kiwis) are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality, their love of sports and the great outdoors. Visitors to New Zealand find it easy to fit in and enjoy the casual, safe and relaxing lifestyle.

The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand with one of the oldest cultures in the world. A Maori renaissance that started in the 1970s has continued to gather momentum. Now Maori culture has reclaimed its rightful position as an equal partner in New Zealand life.

Eligibility:

Applicants must have:

• Completed one year of university study 
• A cumulative minimum GPA of 2.75 - 3.0 
• English language proficiency
• A sense of adventure!

Pre-Departure Information: Before students embark, they will be provided a pre-departure guide that includes important details about their semester abroad. In addition, students may contact World Endeavors any time prior to departure with questions.

Coming to a new country is a major experience for most people - getting used to a new environment, new and different food, a new culture, accommodation, the weather and strange New Zealand accents. Many new international students have never traveled such long distances away from home before, and potential homesickness and culture shock may also create problems while you are trying to settle in.

The aim of the orientation program is to introduce international students to the university, Hamilton and New Zealand. Students are welcomed to New Zealand, and offered support and assistance to make it as easy as possible to understand and settle in their new home. Issues related to "Kiwiana" culture, different teaching style, safety, security, accommodation and many other areas are discussed and advice is given where appropriate. Students get the chance to learn about the campus, who the support people are in the Schools of Studies, the Library, the Teaching and Learning Development Unit, Health and Student Services, the Student Union and of course, the International Centre. The Orientation Program is designed to help students make new friends, get to meet many other students on campus, and learn that there is a large support network in place to help make the transition to a new environment as easy as possible.

These accommodations are located on or near campus. Most student housing is within a five-minute walk of most services, including the library, recreation center, and computing facilities.

All housing is subject to availability. If on-campus, self-catered housing is not available, off-campus or on/off-campus, catered housing may be substituted at an additional cost to the student. Students are advised to register early.

Instruction
Methods of teaching and standards of excellence are based on traditional university models. Students benefit directly from a quality education system that is respected worldwide.

Credit
Study Abroad students are required to take between 3 and 4 courses per semester. The recommended load is 60 credit points per semester. The actual workload can vary from unit to unit and even week to week across the university.

Academic credit and transcripts will be issued by Waikato University after the successful completion of course requirements for the semester or academic year program. Waikato University is a fully-accredited New Zealand institution of higher learning. It is the students responsibility to contact their academic advisor prior to the semester to define how courses taken abroad will transfer to their home institution.

Courses: Courses (or papers) are offered across several interrelated disciplines to give students a better understanding of the people and cultures of the Pacific Rim region.

Listed below is a sampling of the courses offered as part of this program. For availability, contact World Endeavors:

• Exploring Cultures: Introduction to Anthropology
• Race and Ethnicity
• History of Anthropological Thought
• Asia and New Zealand
• Exploring New Zealand's Past: an Introduction to the History of Aotearoa/New Zealand
• Reading Maori
• New Zealand Music
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi: An Introduction
• Aspects of New Zealand Art History
• Tradition and Change in Maori Art 
• A Perspective of the Maori Feminine
• Aotearoa/New Zealand Screen
• Theatre Aotearoa - New Zealand
• The Contemporary Pacific: Societies in Change
• Polynesian Ethnography
• Regional Geography: Pacific Islands Region
• Anthropological Linguistics
• Maori Language
• Introduction and Contemporary Maori Society
• Maori Contemporary Performing Arts
• Maori: Traditional Performing Arts
• Maori Customs Traditional and Modern
• A Focus on Maori Women Within Traditional and Modern Society
• Encounter History: Maori and Pakeha
• The Maori Canoe: Traditions, Rituals and Use
• Maori Song and Dance Theatre
• Introduction to Development Studies
• Economics, Media and Society
• People and Policy
• Maori Lands and Communities
• Indigenous Development in the Pacific Region

Activities: The recreation center is a great place to get involved in a variety of sport and leisure activities and offers affordable membership. It provides 40 exercise classes per week, weight equipment, a cardio area, sports hall for basketball and volleyball, glass-backed squash courts, netball and tennis courts and extensive playing fields.

Locally, students have many choices in sport and recreation. Particularly popular are the nationally followed sports of Rugby, Netball and Cricket. Hiking, surfing, caving, horse racing, boating, rowing, kayaking and fishing, golf, snow skiing, sailing, mountain biking, rock climbing and rafting are just a few activities enjoyed locally.

Not Included:

• Round-Trip airfare to New Zealand 
• Housing deposit (refundable)
• Visa expenses 
• Textbooks 
• Personal expenses