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!
Australia + New Zealand: Humans + the Environment
May 30 – Jun 24, 2025
Credits – 3 or 6 credits (SBIO 3954)
Apply – by Jan 1, 2025
Estimated program fee – $7,750
(excl. VT tuition, fees, and airfare)
Contact – Dr. Robert Bush, rbush@vt.edu
This three and a half-week program combines a week in New Zealand with an additional 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.
New Zealand: Sustaining Human Societies + the Environment
Dec 26, 2024 – Jan 17, 2025
Credits – 6 credits (GEOG 3954/5954)
Apply – by Oct 1, 2024
Program fee – $6,400
(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’s South Island 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.
Australia + New Zealand: A Focus on Animal Agriculture and Sustainability
May 21 – Jun 11, 2025
Credits – 3 credits (APSC 3954)
Apply – by Dec 1, 2024
Estimated program fee – $11,750
(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 (north and south islands) and Australia (Sydney and North Queensland), 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.
Antarctica: Humans + the Environment
Fall 2025 online course + Dec 30, 2025 – Jan 12, 2026 travel
Credits – 6 credits (GEOG 3954/5954)
Apply – by Feb 15, 2025
Estimated program fee – $12,700
(excl. VT tuition 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.
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
Being a part of both of the Australia and Antarctica programs has given me an incredible amount of hands-on experience in my field of study, and has helped prepare me for a future career in conservation. I’ve met lifelong friends, become more independent, and grown to appreciate different cultures around the world.”
Virginia Tech sophomore with majors in Wildlife Conservation and Fish Conservation (Marine)
Australia 2023 and Antarctica 2023-24 programs
Winter Session in New Zealand
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Summer in New Zealand + Australia
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Antarctica Gallery
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