Term Abroad - New Zealand

Many students who are curious about how education works in other societies choose to study for a semester through one of the many Hobart and William Smith programs abroad. The new study term at the University of Auckland, on New Zealand's beautiful North Island, is designed in particular for students interested in Education. The New Zealand Program is offered in the fall semester odd years (2001, 2003, etc.) and is directed on-site by a HWS Education Department faculty member.

HWS students live with selected families in Auckland, take three engaging academic courses at the U. of Auckland, and have an internship in Auckland schools. "New Zealand: An Interdisciplinary Study" is taught by U. of Auckland professors from various Arts and Sciences departments, such as sociology, political science, English, education, history, and geology. Maori professors from the Department of Maori Studies teach the "Maori Culture" course; and the third course, taught by the HWS faculty member directing the program, changes depending on that faculty member's field of expertise. In the fall of 1999, the program's first year, Professor Cindy Sutton taught "Equity in Education." Professor Pat Kerr taught "Gender, Nature, and Science" fall semester 2001, and Professor John Burns taught “Education and Racial Diversity in the U.S. and New Zealand” in 2003. "Internship in Auckland Schools," the fourth course, becomes the highlight of many students' experiences in New Zealand.

After 13 weeks of study in Auckland, interspersed with co-curricular activities and long-weekend field trips on the North Island, the program continues in New Zealand's geologically and geographically dramatic South Island where the group observes whales, gannets, and penguins; climbs glaciers; kayaks the fiords; and learns about the geology and biology of the area from National Park Forest Rangers. Some students and faculty even try their hand at bungee jumping in Queenstown, considered the adventure capital of New Zealand!

Students In Classrooms

Exploring the North Island

Exploring the South Island

Whether it is New Zealand's international reputation as a leader in the filed of emerging literacy; its truly child-centered philosophy of education; the kiwi growing in almost every back yard; the millions of sheep grazing on lush grasslands; the exquisite new National Museum, Te Papa, in Wellington; the sense of a bi-cultural nation; the friendly people; or the sane and civil society that most impresses our students, their experience in New Zealand is exceptional.