Field School Dates: November 27 to December 16, 2023
Program Overview
VIU students in good standing are invited to apply to the 2023 WLCE@viu field school to New Zealand's South Island. This six-credit field school using place-based learning to explore local and indigenous perspectives on emergency and risk management in one of the top adventure tourism destinations that happens to be an incredibly active seismic zone!
From earthquakes and volcanic eruptions to domestic terrorism and global pandemics, New Zealand leisure professionals, governments, and communities have dealt with significant emergencies that impacted locals and visitors. The first week (Nov 29 - Dec 6) of this field school begins in Christchurch where students will learn how the community experienced a major earthquake and what they have learned for the future. Our stop in Queenstown will introduce students to an adventure playground, where we will explore the ways that tourism and recreation operators plan for emergencies and manage risks associated with their businesses.
The second week of the trip (Dec 7-16) we will be staying at the University of Otago in Dunedin. Field school participants will join students from around the world for the World Leisure Centres of Excellence field school (Dec 7-10) before attending and presenting at the 2023 World Leisure Congress! The the WLCEs field school focuses on leisure access for equity deserving citizens including members of the 2SLGBTQAI+ community and Indigenous Peoples.
Find out more information in the 2023 Field School Flyer and on the field school website.
Application Procedure
Deadline to Apply: September 11, 2023 @ 9 AM
Interested students should submit their completed Field School Application Form and GSO Funding Application Form to EdAbroad@viu.ca before 9 AM on September 11, 2023.
VIU International and domestic students in good standing.
Field School Fees Include:
The fee paid by students covers all group transportation and field school accommodation in New
Zealand.
- Accommodation will be shared dorm rooms (hostels) or university residences.
- All breakfasts and three dinners.
- Entrance to attractions included in the itinerary for Christchurch, Tekapo, Queenstown, and Te Anau.
- City tour and Quake City Museum.
- Amiki Walking tour and Waka on Avon tour (traditional Māori canoe).
- Tekapo hot pools
- Shotover Jet boat ride
- Skyline Gondola – Queenstown
- Milford Sound Cruise
- Registration fee (including all activities and meals) and accommodations for the WLO Field School in Dunedin.
- Registration and accommodation at the World Leisure Congress in Dunedin. Some meals are included in
Expenses Not Included:
Transportation to and from New Zealand and travel not included in the group itinerary.
- This includes all travel fees from your home to Christchurch and from the Dunedin airport backto your home.
- Travel insurance (medical insurance is required; cancellation insurance is recommended).
- Additional activities are done during free time (1/2 day in Queenstown & 1 day in Dunedin).
- Meals and snacks not identified above.
- Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
- Any necessary vaccines.
- New Zealand does not currently require any vaccines, including for COVID-19; however, if that changes, it will be your responsibility to meet the criteria.
- Phone and data fees – all students must have an esim or equivalent to allow for the use of WhatsApp throughout the trip.
- All team members are required to use WhatsApp for risk management/community purposes.
- Fees associated with any changes to the tour package due to personal accommodation needs.
- Personal supplies and equipment, including clothing, luggage, and hygiene supplies.
- Tuition
Payment Schedule
| Type | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Registration in 2 courses * | n/a | Upon acceptance into the program |
| Proof of plane ticket | n/a | October 20, 2023 |
| Payment | $5,500 | October 27, 2023 |
*Your registration in the associated courses is required to ensure your seat in the program.
Payment must be made by the student record. Credit cards are NOT accepted.
Please review the VIU Education Abroad Cancellation, Withdrawal and Refund Policy.
Passports: All participants must have a valid passport good for six months after your return. Applications for Canadian passports are available at Canada Post offices. Students must be able to legally travel outside of Canada and through/to the USA.
International students going abroad must make sure their TRV and Study Permits are up-to-date and won't expire while they are abroad.
Visas: Students will be responsible for applying for and securing their own visas (where appropriate). Canadian citizens will not normally require a visa.
International students may require a Schengen visa as per European Union entrance requirements.
Jenn Houtby
Aggie Weighill
Education Abroad
Building 255, 2nd Floor
Phone: (250) 753-3245 local 2494
edabroad@viu.ca