Our study abroad program to New Zealand will focus on interrogating the environmental, social, political and economic complications of “purity” – a concept used by the New Zealand tourism industry to suggest the country as a place untouched, pure, clean, and environmentally sound. We will examine the ways in which New Zealand’s colonial legacy, neoliberalizing economy, and environmental policies complement and disrupt this discourse. While abroad, students will participate in three courses including one hands-on field based experiential course.

CHID 498/GEOG 395 Course: The Geography and the Political Economy of New Zealand

This course will provide a general historical and geographical overview of New Zealand including the structure of government and the economy. It will include guest lecturers who will discuss their research and expertise to help explain the current pressing political, economic and environmental concerns for the country and the actions being taken to alleviate these concerns. This course will draw on New Zealand social science scholarship, include field trips to government agencies and industries engaged with tourism, agricultural, Maori affairs, education and the creative arts. We hope to cross list this course with the UW's Geography Department.

CHID 390: Colloquium on the History of Ideas

In this seminar-based course, the students will engage with theoretical readings aimed to explore the role of discourse and meaning in their daily experiences and reflect on their own subject positions while on the study abroad program. Students will draw on the above course to critically interrogate their role as students, tourists, and consumers in CHID 390.

CHID 476 South Pacific Study Abroad - Independent Study

Both courses above will prepare the students with the knowledge and the analytical tools to engage in small research based studies throughout the quarter, including independent research work on industrial and local agricultural farms. Students will learn several qualitative research techniques in this course, will be expected to keep field notes throughout the quarter, and present their overall research findings at the end of the quarter.

The program fee is expected to be around $4,800, including the $350 deposit. This fee will cover program costs, housing, credits, and transportation and overnight accommodations for field trips. Upon acceptance, participants are required to submit a signed payment contract to the CHID office. At this time, the non-refundable $350 deposit, applied to the program fee, will be assessed to the student’s tuition account. In addition and at the same time, students must pay the IPE fee of $250 to the Office of International Programs and Exchanges.

The program fee does not cover: IPE fee, airfare, insurance or personal travel and expenses.

The CHID Program reserves the right to change the program fee based upon dollar devaluation or severe inflation. If such a change occurs, students will be notified of the increase and an adjustment will be made to the final program payment.

All fees are now charged to students’ accounts, and paid the same way as tuition.

Refund: Once we have received your contract, the $350 deposit and IPE fees are non-refundable. Any student withdrawing from the program is subject to a date dependent withdrawal policy. Student withdrawing from the program after given deadlines will be liable for a percentage of the program fee depending upon the date of withdrawal, which could range from $600 to the entire program fee. Details will be provided in the contract.

Participants who wish to withdraw must submit a signed Withdrawal Form to both the CHID and IPE offices.

TBD

Most forms of financial aid can be used during participation in this program. Participants who are on financial aid should contact the Financial Aid office to verify that their awards will apply. Students interested in applying for increased financial aid during their study abroad should obtain a revision request from the Financial Aid office, and a budget of student expenses from the IPE office, and submit both to the Financial Aid office in Schmitz Hall.

Students from all areas of study are encouraged to apply. After applying, students will be contacted for an interview.
NOTE: In order to receive credit for this program, participants must submit a Concurrent Enrollment (CE) form to the IPE office.
There is a $25 late fee for forms that are turned in after the deadline.

Departure Quarter	Concurrent Enrollment Deadline
Autumn	September 1
Winter	December 1
Spring	March 1
Summer	May 1
Exploration Seminar	July 1