Clemson in Australia and New Zealand
Clemson Abroad offers a faculty-directed study abroad program each summer in the South Pacific that explores the interdisciplinary and complex relationship between humans and the environment. The three and a half-week program combines a full week on the North Island of New Zealand with more than two weeks in North Queensland, Australia, conducting service learning projects and studying sustainability. The program is open to all majors, does not have prerequisites, and completes general education requirements. Expect experiential learning, exposure to new environments and communities, and insightful local guides and instructors. We welcome you to study with us Down Under!
Postponed to May-June 2023
Credits – 6 credits (IS 2100 + STS 2150)
Apply – by March 1, 2023
Cost – TBC; 2020 cost was $7,415 (incl. tuition, excl. airfare)
Contact – CUAus@clemson.edu; Meredith Wilson, mfant@clemson.edu
You will earn 6 credits in this faculty-led program that can be used to complete Clemson’s General Education requirements in Cross Cultural Awareness, Science and Technology in Society, and Non-Literature Humanities. Course options include:
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- IS 2100 – Cross Cultural Awareness
- STS 2150 – Science and Technology in Society and Non-Literature Humanities
North Island, New Zealand
Week 1
The first week of the program will be spent in the North Island of New Zealand, where you will learn about the different approaches to sustaining the environment adopted by Maori (indigenous New Zealanders) and Pakeha (New Zealand Europeans). You will be engaged in practical restoration activities, planting native flora in wetlands and partnering with local school children in sand dune planting. You also will learn about New Zealand’s unique ecology and about efforts to minimize the impacts of invasive flora and fauna. A local Maori community will open their lodge to you for an overnight immersive stay during which you will learn about Maori conceptualizations of humans’ relationship with the natural world.
North Queensland, Australia
Week 2 + 3
During your second and third weeks in Australia, you will learn about the 50,000 year-long relationship between humans, plants and animals within the country’s diverse ecosystems. Snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, while learning about the reef management strategies and inshore reef restoration programs. You will visit the great rainforests of the Wet Tropics and will learn about their significance to Aboriginal Australians. You will have the opportunity to be part of a service learning project with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and will see a wide range of Australian native animals throughout the program.
I spent close to four weeks completely engulfed in the Kiwi and Australian cultures. I was immersed in a new way of life, a new theory of partnership between humans and nature. I was able to see first-hand how fragile the earth and its ecosystems are and learn how to reduce human damage on these precious environments.”
Cedar Richardson, past participant
It’s hard to pick one favorite moment but mine would have to be snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef. There were so many beautiful fish; I could have stayed out there swimming all day long. Amazing time!”
Walker Marion, past participant
New Zealand Gallery
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Australia Gallery
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