Program Tracks

The Skidmore in New Zealand program is designed for students who want to take their learning outside of the classroom. Students will begin the semester with a one or four-week field camp experience that leads into the start of the semester at the University where they will direct enroll in classes as well as conduct research based off of data collected in the field.

Students will select one of the following tracks:

Earth Systems track

New Zealand Earth Systems track analyzes current environmental issues arising from the interface between nature and society. The four-week field camp travels to the North Island and South Islands, exploring the Bay of Plenty, Mt. Ruapehu,  Banks Peninsula, the Southern Alps, and Kaikoura through a series of field modules. During field camp, students learn the field techniques needed to solve the environmental issues. Following field camp, students transition to the University phase of the program.  All students will study at the University of Canterbury, where they enroll in four courses:

• • Earth Systems Field Camp (5 credits)
  • Research Methods in Earth Systems Science (4 credits)
  • Three additional University courses of your choosing (4 credits each)

Geology track

Geology of New Zealand begins with a four-week field camp where students travel throughout the North and South Islands studying the geologic evolution of New Zealand through a series of linked field modules.  Field work is complemented by map preparation and exercises in the evenings, as well as lectures that highlight a wide variety of our staff’s field and laboratory-based studies.  The field camp experience will transition into a semester at the University of Canterbury. Students will enroll in four semester courses:

• • Geology Field Camp (5 credits)
  • Geologic Field Research Methods (4 credits)
  • One courses within the Department of Geological Sciences (4 credits)
  • Two additional University courses of your choosing (4 credits each)

Communities, Cultures and Landscapes 

Communities, Cultures and Landscapes begins with a one-week field camp where students are welcomed onto Māori tribal land, participate in service/volunteering activities including environmental restoration and climate change adaptation projects, and experience local natural landscapes through structured outdoor activities. The field experience is designed to not only challenge students but also allow them to explore indigenous values and concepts around reciprocity, environmental guardianship, and wellbeing. The field camp experience will transition into a semester at the University of Canterbury. Students will enroll in four semester courses:

• • Engaging Aotearoa (3 credits)
  • Three University coursesof your choosing (4 credits each)