Freshman Seminar on New Zealand's North Island

Summer 2009 closed

On campus orientation: July 22 - July 24, 2009
On site in New Zealand: July 25 - August 8, 2009

On-campus follow-up meetings throughout fall semester 2009

Sponsored by the Office of the Provost and the Office of Study Abroad

What's this seminar about?

New Zealand has captured the world's attention with its natural beauty as highlighted in the Lord of the Rings trilogy; however, like the rest of the world, New Zealand faces challenges that threaten its environmental resources and cultural heritage. This program will visit important environmental and historic sites on New Zealand's North Island, including volcanoes, geysers, rainforests, wildlife sanctuaries, and museums. Students may choose between two academic tracks: one emphasizing the natural and human environment and another emphasizing sustainability and agriculture. As the entire program has an environmental/sustainability theme, most field visits will occur as a full group and students should be prepared to be active and be outside throughout their stay. 

Where does it take place?

The North Island is one of the two main islands of New Zealand, the other being the South Island. The island is 113,729 square km in area, making it the world's 14th largest island. It has a population of 3,250,700. Several important cities are located on the North Island, notably Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, and Wellington, the capital, located at the southern-most tip of the island. Approximately 76% of New Zealand 's population lives on the North Island.

The program will start in Auckland and then travel to Rotorua. Rotorua is well-known for geothermal activity. There are a number of geysers and hot mud pools located in the city proper. The program then travels to Napier and concludes in Wellington.

What can I study?

Students earn two credits for UGS 102 and receive a numeric (4.0-scale) grade for their work. Credit earned in UGS 102 counts as elective credit, regardless of students' major or area of interest (although some majors may allow the course to fulfill a requirement). UGS 102 is designed to provide students with an introduction to scholarship and inquiry in international contexts. Special disciplinary-based topics are focused to develop intercultural abilities and deepen international understandings.

Students will enroll in one of the two thematic tracks. Enrollment in these tracks will be on a first-come, first-served basis with every effort being made to give students their first preference.

1. The Natural and Human Environments of Aotearoa

There is no place in the world like New Zealand from the natural and physical environment to the peoples and their societies that share the land. The physical environment of the north island -- situated between Antarctica and Australia -- boasts a physical geography of volcanism, glaciation, and island coastal systems. The flora is diverse and lush with rain forest, mountain, and coastal species such as the giant kauri tree, flowering pohuutukawa tree, and exotic silver tree ferns. The fauna is represented by such unique species as the kiwi, kea, tui, tuatara lizards, and hector's dolphin. Invasive plant and animal species have had a significant impact on this delicately complex environment presenting a wide range of ecosystem and biodiversity challenges. The human settlement and cultural development of this island nation provides another rich historical insight into the modern-day New Zealand. This interdisciplinary track will use multiple lenses to study the environment and peoples of Aotearoa. Themes of sustainability, biodiversity, natural and human systems, and human impact will run throughout the program.

2. Hot, Flat and Crowded: New Zealand in an Age of Globalization

In his most recent book, “Hot, Flat and Crowded,” Thomas Friedman contends that the most pressing issue of our time is how America and the rest of the world will respond to five major environmental threats ranging from biodiversity loss to energy poverty. At first glance, it appears that New Zealand, with its relatively small population, its salubrious climate and its impressive record of environmental stewardship might be a notable exception to Friedman's diagnosis. In this track, we will explore how the forces of globalization have affected the resourceful Kiwi nation, especially with respect to its natural resources, tourism and agricultural industries—each a very important sector of the New Zealand economy. Because of its early reliance on international trading partnerships, their development of hydro and geothermal energy, their adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and their on-going efforts to preserve important environmental and cultural assets, is New Zealand ‘in a better place' today than the U.S., neighboring Australia and other nations? Or do New Zealanders find themselves buffeted by forces beyond their immediate control—at the mercy of policies and practices employed by larger nations? Students will be expected to read “Hot, Flat, and Crowded” before embarking on the program. Additional course readings will come primarily from the popular media and governmental agencies.

To be eligible, applicants must have first-year freshman status at Michigan State University beginning in fall 2009 AND have paid their Advanced Enrollment Deposit (AED). That is, a student must be admitted to and attending MSU for the first time as a full-time college student during the 2009-10 academic year.

It is strongly recommended that students apply early as acceptance into the program is on a rolling basis and the program may fill to capacity (30 students per program) before the priority application deadline.

Applicants' participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for seminar participation.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, please email Mr. Jim Lucas.

Where will I live?

Students will stay at YHAs (Youth Hostels of Australia) where they will have internet access, phone service, and full kitchen facilities.

Laundry facilities are available at all locations.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Philip E. Strong
Lyman Briggs College
Phone: (517) 353-6482

Philip Strong is the Assistant Dean of Lyman Briggs College with responsibility for undergraduate student and academic affairs. Dr. Strong has a long history of working with students in transition from directing new student orientation and freshman seminar programs to coordinating academic advisement and the undergraduate curriculum. His most recent research is on out-of-class student-faculty interaction as a factor of student success, engagement, and satisfaction with college. Outside of MSU, he is working with the City of East Lansing government enhancing the town-gown relationship through active service and community leadership on the Commission for the Environment. In his recreation time Dr. Strong enjoys playing team sports (basketball, volleyball, touch football), working in his yard, music (guitar, bass), and an occasional dual-sport motorcycle ride. Dr. Strong participated in the inaugural FSA in New Zealand in 2008 and is excited to return in 2009.

Dr. Kirk Heinze
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Phone: (517) 432-8655

Dr. Heinze has served in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) for three decades as a faculty member, a department chairperson and, most recently, as director of Agriculture and Natural Resources Communication. The majority of his work is focused on creating greater public understanding of issues related to agriculture, food and the environment. He is an ardent proponent of the value of undergraduate international experience, and he has planned and participated in study abroad programs in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, England and Nepal. In addition, he has conducted substantial teaching/training work at the University of Chapingo, Texcoco, Mexico.

Earlier in his career, Kirk directed the Agricultural and Natural Resources Communication undergraduate program which boasts successful alumni in key marketing, public relations, advertising and journalism positions across the U.S. Kirk has a B.A. in English from Albion College, an M.A. in English from Wayne State University and a Ph.D. in English from MSU. He and his wife, Katha, met at Albion and have been married for 36 years, and they have two daughters. Kirk is a devoted Spartan football and basketball fan. In addition to study abroad programs, he has traveled extensively in Europe, Mexico and throughout the U.S.

Karen Mills
Department of Family and Child Ecology
Phone: ( 517) 432-9225

Karen Mills will serve as this year's program support staff. She is the Coordinator of Online and Lifelong Education for the Department of Family and Child Ecology in the College of Social Science. Ms. Mills has worked with undergraduates for 8 years from recruiting and new student orientation to academic advising and internships. She has taught student success and career planning courses at the community college and university levels. Currently, she plans teacher training opportunities in Michigan and abroad. She organized a study tour for Okinawan students to MSU this year and will use those learning experiences in New Zealand. She enjoys swimming and biking and tried surfing last year!

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States. If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date. If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of twelve weeks are usually required for processing. During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required. Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices. They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the web page.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose. The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early. It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.

For more information about visas visit the web page.

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program's itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

See the "Health Issues" section of the Student Handbook for further health information and recommendations.

How much does it cost?

The program fee is $3,586 and includes the following:

• application fee ($100)
• deposit ($200)
• overnight stay, meals and orientation program at MSU
• transportation (Roundtrip travel to and from New Zealand )
• lodging while in New Zealand
• some meals while in New Zealand
• books and academic resources
• excursions and field trips
• accident and sickness insurance

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

• MSU tuition and fees*
• additional meals
• local transportation during free time
• passport application fee ($100)
• pre-departure doctor visits
• pre-departure immunizations (if applicable)
• personal spending money

Students may request a cost sheet which estimates these additional expenses not included in the program fee by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

Students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee. Students will also be e-billed for two credits. (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

*Check Student Accounts for current tuition, fees and taxes

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU's Office of Financial Aid.

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing. This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the seminar, including airfare.

For further information about financial aid, visit the Web page.

Freshman Seminar Abroad (FSA) Scholarships

Students participating on an FSA program may be eligible for up to three awards created just for these programs. General information about the awards is available below.

Freshman Seminar Abroad Study Abroad Scholarships: The Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education (APUE) and the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) offer a limited number of scholarships specifically for eligible FSA participants. In all cases, to be eligible for the award a student must be (1) admitted to MSU with their deposit paid, (2) have submitted their application to an FSA program, and (3) have on file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at the MSU Financial Aid Office. Students must submit a scholarship application form.

Awards funded through the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education (APUE) and Office of Financial Aid are for up to $2,000 toward the program fee (note: if the program fee is less than $2,000, then students will only be given an amount equal to the cost of the program fee). These scholarships are designated for Pell grant eligible students who have demonstrated high academic merit. The priority deadline for APUE awards is June 9, 2009.

Awards funded through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) are for $250, and require applicants to have a 2.5 GPA or above and demonstrate financial need. The deadline for OSA awards is June 9, 2009.

Please note that it may take several weeks after the deadlines to process and select the recipients of these awards.

Freshman Seminar Abroad Honors College Scholarship: MSU's Honors College offers a limited number of awards specifically for FSA participants who are also incoming Honors College students. Scholarships will be awarded by the Honors College to the first eligible students who register for each program, so apply early!

How do I apply?

The application is available online.

Once admitted into Michigan State University, you may submit your application to the MSU Office of Study in person, by fax, or by mail. A complete application requires your signature on the application form (and a parent's/guardian's signature, if you are under age 18 at the time of application). A $100 application fee is required. You will receive an electronic bill (e-bill) from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the application fee, which is applied to the cost of the seminar and is non-refundable once you accept admission into the seminar. If you are denied admission into the seminar, you will receive a full refund of the $100 application fee.

Deadlines for application depend on seminar departure dates and logistical planning, and applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis.

Faculty will accept students into seminars until they are full or logistical factors make it impossible to add additional participants. To increase your chances of being accepted into your desired seminar, you should apply as early as possible. Don't hesitate to contact us to find out if space is still available on the program of your choice.

Admission into these seminars minimally requires you maintain your status as an MSU freshman and be in good academic and disciplinary standing.

You will be notified of your acceptance status by an official letter from the Office of Study Abroad. Participation is contingent on maintaining your status as admitted student for fall 2009. Your participation may be denied or your participation approval may be revoked if your conduct before departure raises doubts as to your suitability for seminar participation.

If admitted into a seminar, you will receive an official acceptance packet in the mail that includes a Decision Form, Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization, Statement of Responsibility, and a Travel Permission for Minors (required for participants under age 18 at the time of the seminar's departure). To confirm your admission into a seminar, you must sign and return the forms included in this packet to the Office of Study Abroad within two weeks of the date of your acceptance letter or you may lose your space in the seminar. Students admitted into a seminar less than six (6) weeks prior to the seminar's departure date must sign and return the forms upon receipt.

Once you return the forms indicating your acceptance of admission you will be billed a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit. This deposit will be posted and due on your student account and must be paid by the due date indicated on the e-bill. It will be applied to the program fee. If you do not pay the application fee and/or deposit by the due date indicated on the e-bill, the fees will accrue monthly late charges until paid in full.

Students who are wait-listed because a seminar is filled to capacity will not be billed the $200 deposit until formally accepted. The application fee will be refunded to wait-listed students who are unable to participate due to seminar space limitations.

Billing notification will be sent to your MSU e-mail account, so you must check it regularly! To activate your MSU e-mail account visit New Students: Activating your MSU NetID. This site will provide you with instructions on how to activate your account. You will then be able to view your bill and determine when payment is due.

Further details can be found in theStudy Abroad Student Handbook available on line (including information about withdrawing from a seminar).

What's next?

Visit the OSA Web site

Check out the following Additional Resources:

Office of Financial Aid
252 Student Services

MSU Travel Clinic
East Circle Drive

Academic Advisers
Located in each individual college/department

Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities
120 Bessey Hall

Area Studies Centers
International Center

MSU Global Access
Information about the world - its regions and peoples and important international issues