We love partnering with faculty leaders who are as passionate about the South Pacific and experiential learning as we are! Dr. Kathi Jogan’s enthusiasm for New Zealand and Australia’s wildlife is so contagious, it’s easy to ignore the pouring rain while looking for dolphins in Doubtful Sound or the cold water while swimming with seals in Kaikōura. Dr. Jogan is an Instructor in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Arkansas and has taught at the university level for 20 years. Her innovative courses in equine science, study abroad and service-learning have been recognized with multiple college and university awards, and for good reason. If she’s not in her office, she’s likely to be abroad with a wide-eyed group of students visiting a local farm, wildlife rehabilitation center, or veterinary program, dressed and ready to also complete a service project before traveling on.
Dr. Jogan has partnered with AUIP for many years to design and deliver study abroad programs focused on human and animal interactions in the South Pacific. Students on this summer’s program travelled to both New Zealand and Australia and met the endemic wildlife, explored innovative livestock and land management practices, heard indigenous cultural perspectives, and soaked in the stunning scenery.
We asked Dr. Jogan a few questions about her experience working with AUIP and bringing students to the South Pacific. Here’s what she said!:
What do you enjoy about working with AUIP?
Unlike some 3rd party providers, AUIP considers the focus of your study abroad program and provides numerous choices of lecturers, site visits and activities to meet your individualized educational objectives. AUIP staff reply to questions immediately – whether you are in the planning stages or in country.
What does AUIP do well and how does this make it easier for you and your colleagues?
AUIP does many things exceptionally well including providing quality, relevant content-based information pertaining to course objectives and working within a budget. AUIP specializes in Australasia programs and has first-hand practical knowledge of every activity, every location and every presenter provided to faculty. Competent staff are readily available (no matter the time of day or night) to help faculty with any problems that may arise.
How does studying abroad benefit your students?
Study abroad allows students to experience different cultures and broaden their perspectives, boosts their independence, improves their ability to adapt and in many cases provides global networking opportunities. Post program assessment clearly reaffirms the positive impact to students of AUIP study abroad programs.
Why do you choose to bring your students to New Zealand and Australia?
Both New Zealand and Australia have rich cultures and histories, safe and stable societies and jaw-droppingly beautiful landscapes. These countries offer students exposure to opportunities they could not experience elsewhere.
AUIP’s Program Coordinator for the program, Samantha Low, spent some time with Dr. Jogan and her student group while they were in New Zealand this year. She says:
“Working with Dr. Jogan to plan and run this program has been particularly rewarding. As an equestrian and animal enthusiast, I was able to indulge my passion while helping Dr. Jogan create an engaging and educational itinerary for her students. Seeing them excited to have hands-on experiences on farms, at wildlife facilities and out in nature was fantastic. And guiding them on a customized horse trek in the Queenstown-Lakes district was a highlight!”
Find out more about working with AUIP or request a proposal for your next faculty-led study abroad program today!
