This semester marks the official launch of the Skidmore in New Zealand program, which is the fourth study abroad program Skidmore runs. The other three are Skidmore in Paris, Skidmore in London and Skidmore in Spain. At the February faculty meeting last year a motion to establish the Skidmore in New Zealand program in partnership with Frontiers Abroad was passed by a majority vote.
The “program blends natural science, cultural studies, and the incredible New Zealand landscapes” said Kurt Smemo, Assistant Professor Environmental Studies and Sciences Program, who recently visited the program. “It is such a well-thought–out program with amazing instructors.”
Skidmore students were able to study abroad in New Zealand prior to this semester, but Skidmore is now the official campus partner for Frontiers Abroad. This semester, eight Skidmore students are participating in the program. Four are doing the direct enrollment program and four are participating in one of the Field & Research components that begins with a 5-week field camp before the direct enrollment semester.
With the field camp, students collect data in the field and this leads into a semester-long research project (click here for Skidmore News’ initial covering of the program and more information on the field experience). These enrollment numbers are consistent with past numbers as historically Skidmore would send about 5 students to New Zealand on direct enroll programs each semester and 1-3 students on Fronteirs Abroad programs.
The launch of the program did not pull participants away from other Skidmore study abroad programs because “the other Skidmore programs are academically, structurally, and geographically different enough” said Eliza Camire, Associate Director of Programs & Outreach.
Though the program has a large focus on geological and environmental studies, students can choose from subjects that include anthropology, arctic studies, geoscience and graphic design. The program is open to students of all majors, and “I would highly recommend the Skidmore in New Zealand program to any student interested even broadly in earth and environmental sciences, regardless of major or background” said Smemo.
“New Zealand, as a location, seems to draw students that enjoy spending time and being active outdoors. If you’re into hiking, surfing, mountain biking, rugby, you name it – it’s in New Zealand” said Camire. If this sounds like you then remember the fall 2018 application deadline is March first.