Education Abroad Opportunities
International field studies on tourism, society, and the environment
RPTM 497A South Island, New Zealand (6 credits)
RPTM 497B North Queensland, Australia (6 credits)
These courses are available to all qualified Penn State students.
About the program
This 3.5-week study abroad courses will examine the natural (and related social) history and environmental conservation of North Queensland, Australia and South Island, New Zealand. Our courses focus on topics related to sustainable development through educational travel, field trips, active participation, lecture presentations and seminars, and coursework exercises. The goal of these courses is to use regions in the South Pacific as cases to integrate the different perspectives of diverse natural, biological, and social science disciplines to improve understanding of relationships between human societies and the natural environment and the role of tourism in those interactions.
Students will receive 6 credits for either of these courses. Grades in the course will count toward students' Penn State cumulative GPA. The courses may meet requirements in some majors and/or minors; therefore, you are encouraged to discuss your intention to take this course with your advisor and with RPTM's student advisor Angela Rothrock (arb184@psu.edu).
In New Zealand (RPTM 497A)
After an initial week of study with lectures from expert faculty in Christchurch, we embark on a 2.5 week field trip to national parks, reserves, and coastal areas of New Zealand's magnificent South Island. This is one of the most environmentally diverse countries on the planet and many of its plants and animals are found nowhere else in the world. The natural context provides a unique opportunity to learn about issues such as ecotourism, sustainable development, global warming, conservation, and indigenous Maori cultures.
In Australia (RPTM 497B)
We begin with a week on campus on the coast of Queensland and end the course with a couple of days back on campus to complete the program. In between, we will have a 2.5 week field trip where we will snorkel (scuba diving is optional) to explore the marine biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef; learn about Aboriginal culture and history through interactions with indigenous communities in the Outback; and study the diverse wildlife and flora as well as natural resource management and ecotourism practices in the tropical rainforest of the Daintree World Heritage Area.
View the letter of endorsement from John Dattilo (
.pdf), Head of the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management.
Application Information
Application ( .pdf)
Academic Recommendation Form ( .pdf)
Application period: January 1 - March 15
Application deadline: March 15
Announcement of student acceptance: March 30
Orientation class on University Park Campus: April 15
RPTM 497A (New Zealand) begins on May 14 and ends on June 8
RPTM 497B (Australia) begins on May 21 and ends on June 15
Requirements
- 2.75 minimum GPA
- Evidence of maturity, stability, adaptability, self-discipline, and strong academic motivation
Prerequisites
Education Abroad (EA) and the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management do not require the completion of specific courses prior to enrollment or departure.
Courses or areas of study
This program is about how indigenous communities, national governments, and tourists impact, protect and interact with the natural environment.
Housing and meals
You will be housed in dormitories while on campus, and in a variety of accommodation styles when traveling, including shared room in budget-style establishments, eco-resorts and national park lodges, serviced apartments and camping. You will be responsible for about 50% of your meals.
Financial aid
Standard forms of financial assistance are available through the Office of Student Aid. Since Penn State students on Education Abroad-sponsored programs continue to be registered at Penn State, most awards remain in effect while students are abroad. More information about financial aid and scholarship options for education abroad is available on the Education Abroad website.
Estimated costs and billing
The course fee will be approximately $5,500 including Penn State tuition (calculated at $3,318 for 6 credits but may vary depending students’ standing), all accommodations, in-country transportation, approximately 50 percent of meals, and all excursions and activities. Additional costs include international airfare (approximately $1,200 round-trip from Los Angeles, with optional group airfare available) and other miscellaneous expenses (approximately $300).
Health insurance
All students participating in Penn State-sponsored education abroad programs—regardless of any existing insurance plans they may already have through any other source—will be automatically enrolled in a comprehensive health insurance plan designed for students studying abroad.
Contacts and information
If you are interested in one of these courses you may direct questions to:
Angela Rothrock, RPTM Student Advisor (arb184@psu.edu)
Duarte B. Morais, Faculty responsible for Ed Abroad courses (dmorais@psu.edu)