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Auckland (Earth Systems Study of
Science Abroad Program)
New Zealand comprises two large
islands, North Island and South Island, as well as many smaller islands. The
indigenous Maori have named the country Aotearoa which is often
translated into English as “The Land of the Long White Cloud.” New Zealand
offers a very dramatic and diverse landscape, including towering snowcapped
peaks and active volcanoes. The islands’ flora and fauna are equally
extraordinary.
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, located on the North
Island. The majority of the 1.3 million Auckland inhabitants are of British
descent, but substantial Maori, Pacific Islander, and Asian communities also
exist. Many volcanoes or volcanic remains surround the city. Auckland is
sandwiched between two harbors to the north and south and is often referred to
as the “City of Sails” due to the yachts and sailboats that pepper the seascape.
While in Auckland, one should take advantage of the art galleries, museums,
nature parks, and cricket and rugby matches.
The Frontiers Abroad
program offers students a unique opportunity in New Zealand. The program begins
with a five-week field component around the Cook Islands and the North Island of
New Zealand in which
students study marine ecology, volcanoes, geothermal energy, natural and human
impacts on the environment, and Maori perspectives on natural resources, among
other subjects. Following the field camp, students enroll full-time at the
University of Auckland in the School of Geography, Geology and Environmental
Science and take their courses with Kiwi students.
Dates: Spring semester: mid-January to late June.
Fields of Study: Biological studies, ecology,
environmental science, geography, geology, policy and economics.
Eligibility: 9.0 GPA. Students should have a
demonstrated academic interest in human and natural environments. Background in
physical and biological sciences recommended. Students should have an advising
session with an EA faculty member or the faculty liaison. At least one letter of
recommendation must be written by an EA faculty member.
Number of Students: Approximately 3 Pomona
students; maximum total program enrollment 25 per semester.
Academic Program: Before classes begin at the
University of Auckland, students take part in a five week-long field component
that spends one week in the Cook Islands and the remaining time in the North Island’s
Central Volcanic Plateau and Bay of Plenty. This field component is divided into
several modules that combine field studies with visits to coastal habitats,
geothermal power plants, hydro-power schemes, paper mills, and conservation and
environmental agencies. Once the university semester begins, students continue
with research they initiated during the field camp. The field and research
components are worth 1 Pomona credit.
Students then choose three courses from the
University of Auckland’s School of Geography, Geology and Environmental Science.
Pomona requires students to take a humanities or social science course with New
Zealand content. Each university course is worth 1 Pomona credit.
Living Arrangements: During the field component,
students camp or stay in mountain lodges. During the semester, students are
placed in university housing close to campus.
Faculty Liaison: Rick Hazlett
Internet Link:
http://frontiersabroad.com/
Weather and Time in Auckland
Christchurch (Geology of New Zealand)
New Zealand comprises two large islands, North Island and
South Island, as well as many smaller islands. The indigenous Maori have named
the country Aotearoa which is often translated into English as “The Land
of the Long White Cloud.” New Zealand owes its varied topography to its position
straddling the Pacific and Indo-Australian Plates. The Southern Alps run the
length of the South Island, with the highest peak in the range and the country,
Mount Cook, standing at an impressive 12,320 feet. There are 18 peaks on the
South Island that reach over 10,000 feet in height. The North Island is home to
numerous volcanoes. The tallest peak on the North Island, the 9,000 foot-tall
Mount Ruapehu, is an active cone volcano. When not admiring the towering peaks
or steaming volcanoes, one should take advantage of New Zealand’s culture, which
has been influenced by a mixture of British, American, Australian, Maori,
European, Polynesian and Asian cultures.
Christchurch is the South Island's largest city with about 370,000 inhabitants.
A short distance from both the snowcapped Alps and the Pacific coastline,
Christchurch is in an ideal location for the outdoor enthusiast. Lovers of art
will also appreciate the city's thriving art scene. Christchurch boasts many
beautiful parks, including a free botanical garden, that are inviting to walkers
and joggers, or one may prefer to sit along the Avon river and watch the water
flow on by.
The Frontiers Abroad
program offers students a unique opportunity in New Zealand. The program begins
with a five-week field component around the North Island and South Island in
which students study the country’s geologic history, active volcanoes, and
active plate boundaries, among other subjects. Following the field camp,
students enroll full-time at the University of Canterbury and take their courses with Kiwi students.
Dates:
Spring semester: mid-January to late June
Fields of Study: Geology, and access to the full
university curriculum.
Eligibility: 9.0 GPA. An introductory Geology
course from the 20 series and two Geology courses at the 100-level or above are
required. Preference will be given to Geology majors. At least one letter of
recommendation must come from a Geology professor. Students should have an
advising session with one of the faculty liaisons.
Number of Students: Approximately 3 Pomona
students; maximum total program enrollment 25 per semester.
Academic Program: Before classes begin at the
university, students take part in a five week-long field component that visits
both the South and North Islands. This field component is divided into several
modules that will help students decipher the geologic evolution of New Zealand.
In addition to field work, students will prepare maps and receive on-site
lectures from program staff. Once the university semester begins, students
continue with research they initiated during the field camp. The field and
research components are worth 1 Pomona credit.
Students then choose three courses in any
subject from the University of Canterbury.
Pomona requires students to take a humanities or social science course with New
Zealand content. Each university course is worth 1 Pomona credit.
Living Arrangements: During the field component,
students mostly camp. During the semester, students are placed in university
housing close to campus.
Faculty Liaison: Bob Gaines, Eric Grosfils
Internet Link:
http://frontiersabroad.com/
Weather and Time in Christchurch
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