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Hokies Abroad Programs
Virginia Tech offers faculty-led study abroad programs annually in the South Pacific. These programs are open to all majors, do not have prerequisites, and can fulfill a number of degree and general education requirements. Expect experiential learning, exposure to new environments and communities, and insightful local guides and instructors. Whether in winter or summer, we welcome you to study with us Down Under!
New Zealand: Sustaining Human Societies and the Environment
Dec 26, 2026 – Jan 17, 2027
Earn – 6 credits (GEOG 3954/5954)
Apply – by Oct 1, 2026
Estimated program fee – $7,700
(excl. VT tuition, fees, and airfare)
Contact – Dr. Lynn Resler,
resler@vt.edu
This three-week experiential program examines resource conservation and the natural, and related social, history of New Zealand during a southern hemisphere summer. You’ll use New Zealand as a case study to examine different cultural perspectives on the three pillars of sustainability: environment, social equity, and economics.
Arrive in and explore the capital of Wellington at the southern end of the North Island, before taking the scenic ferry journey across the Cook Strait to travel almost the full length of the scenic South Island.
Australia: Rainforest and Reef
May 24 – Jun 17, 2027
Earn – 3 or 6 credits (SBIO 3954)
Apply – Early, limited enrollment
Estimated program fee – $TBD (2026 fee: $8,200)
(excl. VT tuition, fees, and airfare)
Contact – Dr. Matthew Baker,
matthb1@vt.edu
This three and a half-week program begins and ends with a few days in stunning Sydney with the remaining two and a half weeks in North Queensland, Australia. Learning takes place out in the field, spending time with local experts, conducting service learning projects and studying environmental, economic and cultural sustainability by applying traditional and modern knowledge. Visit the iconic Sydney Opera House, explore the world’s oldest rainforest and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef.
Spend time with First Nations rangers learning about Aboriginal culture and contributing to land restoration, participate in a koala population survey on Magnetic Island, and spend time in the Queensland “outback”.
Antarctica: Humans and the
Environment
Fall 2026 online course + Jan 5 – 19, 2027 travel
Earn – 6 credits (GEOG 3954/5954)
Apply – by Feb 1, 2026
Estimated program fee – $13,100
(excl. VT tuition, fees, and airfare)
Contact – Dr. Lynn Resler, resler@vt.edu
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the remote and dramatic wilderness of the world’s least-understood continent. Towering icebergs, glacier-draped mountains, and waddling penguins are just a few of the wonders that greet you on this experiential program as you hike, cruise, and study the frozen landscape. Attending virtual seminars with Antarctic experts prior to your departure ensures you have the most enriched experience possible.
Australia + New Zealand: A Focus on Animal Agriculture and Sustainability
Next offered in 2027
Earn – 3 credits (APSC 3954)
Estimated program fee – $TBD
(incl. airfare, excl. VT tuition and fees)
Contact – Dr. Cindy Wood, piglady@vt.edu
Study the effects of global markets, indigenous cultural factors, and climate change on agriculture and the environment in New Zealand and Australia, major exporters of agricultural products to the United States and other countries. Spending one and a half weeks each in New Zealand and Australia, you will visit a variety of cities, towns and rural areas with learning taking place on site visits to farms, agricultural organizations and universities. Participate in cultural activities, explore wildlife and marine reserves and enjoy tourist attractions.
Traveling to Australia and New Zealand through the AUIP program and Virginia Tech changed my life. I learned so much about the world, felt and became inspired to make positive impacts on the world through conservation work, and grew so much personally. Within this time, I feel as though I came out a better version of myself and more enthusiastic about the possibilities the world has to offer.”
Kolla Buchanan
Virginia Tech senior with a major in Wildlife Conservation and Animal and Poultry Sciences
Australia + New Zealand 2025 program
The Australia program was the perfect choice for my study abroad experience. We were able to do so many things in such a short amount of time on our trip, I truly feel like we were immersed in the culture by the end. The packed itinerary provided many learning opportunities as well as opportunities to relax and enjoy our surroundings. I learned so many new things about myself and was able to bond with my peers that share my love for the environment and conservation."
Ava
Virginia Tech junior with a major in Wildlife Conservation and a minor in GIS
Australia 2024 program
Winter Session in New Zealand
Summer in New Zealand + Australia
Antarctica Gallery
