Program Details
Location
Wellington & Dunedin,
New Zealand
Term
May Session (Spring semester on campus)
Housing
Hostel
Hotel
Languages Taught In
English
Program Eligibility
Student Type
UofM Students
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
GPA
2.5
Events & Info Sessions
Tuesday, November 17th, 10:00–10:30 am
Wednesday, November 18th, 3:00–3:30 pm
About
An island nation of fiords and volcanoes that has followed a unique evolutionary path, New Zealand is the ideal place to read and write about the natural world. Populated by flightless birds and outsize insects, it has no native land mammals except bats.
The country is at the forefront of many scientific debates and challenges, including evolution on islands, the impacts and control of native species, climate change, and reintroduction biology. You’ll increase your knowledge of the natural world and current scientific debates and challenges, including evolution on islands, the impacts and control of native species, climate change, and reintroduction biology. You’ll also meet with the experts in the field, such as scientists and conservation professionals.
We’ll explore Wellington, the capital city, as well as Dunedin, the "Wildlife Capital of New Zealand," a city rich in Maori and Scottish heritage, Victorian architecture, and literary tradition.
Housing & Meals
You will live in shared accommodations with fellow program participants. A welcome and farewell meal, and some additional meals are included in the program fee. Additional meals can be prepared in your accommodations or taken at local eateries.
Excursions
Excursions may include:
- Guided tour of Te Papa Tongarewa and guest lecture by and expert
- Hike on Mount Victoria
- Guided tour of Zealandia
- Kapiti Island Day trip
- Walking tours of Wellington and Dunedin
- Wildlife Cruise
- A guided Waka Tour to learn about Māori history and culture while paddling a traditional Māori boat
- Otago Museum
- Otago Peninsula Day trip
- Larnach Castle for Castle guided tour
- Tunnel Beach walk
- Writing on Climate Change Workshop at Victoria University
- Volunteer tree planting experience with Save Otago Peninsula
- Personal time to explore beaches, museums, and wildlife reserves
Accessibility
If you have a disability and plan to study abroad, visit our Accessibility Abroad page to learn about considerations, answer questions, and request accommodations before you go abroad.
Flight
The LAC will provide information on booking a designated flight. This flight will be the one the leader travels on and/or will include airport pick-up and transfers in-country. Estimated flight costs are noted in the budget, but fares may change until booked. You are advised not to book flights until given program confirmation from the LAC.
Important Note: A passport book is required to travel on this program. If you do not currently have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months past your return date, or are still needing to apply for a new one, start the process as soon as possible. Visit the UofM Passport Office website for more information.
Learning Outcomes
- Socialize as global professionals who understand that human interaction and culture are relevant to achieving professional goals
- Discover and connect with the University of Minnesota campus and community
- Think critically, analyze topics, and appreciate diverse perspectives through pre-departure coursework, studying abroad, and guided reflection
- Function as an effective team member by utilizing personal strengths in a group setting
- Develop an understanding of the importance of future international and intercultural learning
Faculty & Staff
This course is led by Kim Todd, Professor of English Languages & Literature. Professor Todd has led this program previously.
Program Structure
Program Level
1900-level course
Courseload
One 3-credit course
This seminar is a 2+ week study abroad program led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff that feature:
- Intensive learning in a location that illuminates the topic
- Small groups of 15–25 students
- No prerequisites or language requirements
- Included excursions and cultural activities
- Instruction in English
Course Schedule
This is an embedded spring semester 2027 course, with the abroad portion in New Zealand taking place over May session 2027 at the end of the semester. On-campus classes take place in the second half of the spring semester (B-term).
The course meets: Spring Semester 2027, B-term course, Tuesdays & Thursdays from 1:00 p.m.–2:15 p.m.
Abroad term: May 13–28, 2027
Coursework
Course Description
Useful for writers, science students, those engaged with environmental issues, and curious adventurers, this course begins after spring break and extends into May with a two-week immersion experience in New Zealand.
You’ll visit Matiu/Somes Island, a predator-free scientific reserve, the Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Tongarewa), and the Otago Peninsula, home of colonies of little blue penguins and royal albatross.
This course qualifies as a writing-intensive course. You’ll be assessed via field journals, short papers, an audio or video essay, and a final paper that revises and develops ideas launched in your field journal entries and shorter papers.
Receive credit for: ENGW 1105
Liberal Education Fulfillment: TBD Global Perspectives & Writing Intensive
Syllabus for Wild Words: Writing & Conservation in New Zealand
Dates Details
Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:
| Term | Program Dates | Application Deadline | Confirmation Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| May Session 2027 | May 13–28, 2027 | December 1, 2026 | December 15, 2026 |
Program dates are subject to change.
If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.
Important Note: Enrollment on this program is limited to 25 students. Admission is granted on a rolling basis and applications are reviewed in the order they are completed. Some programs may fill to capacity prior to the application deadline, therefore applying early is recommended. Additionally, applying early will allow for more time to plan ahead and prepare for the program.
Events & Info Sessions
Explore more events on our events page.
| Event Name | Event Date | Time | Location | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May Instructor-led Programs Info Session | Tuesday, November 17th | 10:00–10:30 am | Hybrid, Heller Hall 230C | Details & Registration |
| May Instructor-led Programs Info Session | Wednesday, November 18th | 3:00–3:30 pm | Hybrid, Heller Hall 230C | Details & Registration |
On Campus Dates
The course meets: Spring Semester 2027, B-term course, Tuesdays & Thursdays from 1:00 p.m.–2:15 p.m.
Orientation Dates & Locations
The Learning Abroad Center facilitates a pre-departure orientation in collaboration with your program leader(s) in addition to any additional orientation sessions scheduled by your program leader(s). It is your responsibility to know the information shared at these orientations.
Orientation consists of several sessions, all of which are created to support your preparation to go abroad:
- Online Health & Safety Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory.
- LAC Seminar Pre-departure Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory. The discussion post is due before your LAC Program Orientation meeting.
- LAC Program Orientation: Program details and important UofM information will be covered (finances, health & safety, policies, insurance, etc.). This will be scheduled in collaboration with your program leader(s). Details will be sent to you via email from the LAC and/or your program leader(s). This is a mandatory meeting. **For embedded programs, this will likely be one of your class dates prior to departure.**
- Program Leader Orientation(s): Your program leader(s) will schedule 1–3 additional orientation sessions prior to departure. These will cover academic requirements and preparation, final travel and program logistics, cultural knowledge, and more. Details will be sent to you via email from your program leader(s). These are mandatory meetings. **For embedded programs, these will likely be included in your class dates prior to departure.**
Costs & Fees
The Cost of Participation (program fee) includes educational costs, program activities, housing, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, some meals, international medical, security & evacuation insurance, local transportation, and program administration. Program fees can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions.
You must also budget for international airfare (with LAC guidance), visa (if applicable), passport and passport photos, meals not included in program fee, spending money, and miscellaneous living expenses.
The LAC strives to follow best practices to provide the lowest cost program while ensuring a quality academic experience.
If you are registered for less than 13 credits or if you are a non-UofM student or a UofM graduate student, you will be charged tuition for this course in addition to the program fee.
Billing & Payments
Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.
Enrollment Note: This program is considered part of spring enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.
Flight & Deposit Advance
The Flight & Deposit Advance (formerly Bridging Loan) is a no-interest/no-fees program that allows you to defer payment of your flight and LAC program deposit until your financial aid is disbursed.
Cancellation Policy
Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.
May Session 2027 (Spring on campus course)
Wild Words: Writing & Conservation in New Zealand
Apply
You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.
Complete
After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:
- Application Essay
Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.
Next Steps
- After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
- Your completed application will be reviewed by the Learning Abroad Center.
- If admitted, the Financial and Program Commitment form will be added to your checklist. Complete this form to secure your spot on the program. By submitting the form, you also give your approval for the program deposit to be billed to your UofM student account.
- Complete the confirmation checklist, which include the following items in additional to program-specific forms:
- Passport Information
- Emergency Contacts
- Health Information Form
- Online Health & Safety Orientation
- Release & Waiver
- You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.
- Apply for a passport.
Register for On-Campus Course
Your participation on this program is secured by applying and confirming through the Learning Abroad Center application process.
You will also need to register for the on-campus course ENG 1912W.
Note: Registering for the course, but not confirming through the Learning Abroad Center, will not hold your spot in the program.
After You Apply
Before your program begins, review these resources.
Health & Safety
Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.
Power of Attorney
Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.
Student Identity
Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.
Travel Resources
Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.
Program Contact
For further information or questions about this program, send an email to
Anna DeWitt at [email protected],
or call at
612.626.2234.