• News
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • Faculty/Staff
  • Campus Portal Login
  • News
  • Student Life
  • Faculty/Staff
  • Athletics
  • Campus Portal Login

Study abroad program explores New Zealand’s great diversity

salvetoday Posted On July 16, 2013
0


0
Shares
  • Share On Facebook
  • Tweet It

Getting stuck in a blizzard is likely the last thing on the minds of Salve Regina students studying in Rome or Oxford this summer. But for the 10 students who recently completed a short-term study abroad trip to New Zealand, getting stranded in a blizzard in the Southern Alps on June 2 was very much a reality, and just one of many adventures they encountered while halfway around the world.

Led by Dr. JD Swanson, assistant professor of biology and biomedical sciences and a New Zealand native, the trip explored the island nation’s people and places along with human and geographical impacts on New Zealand’s flora and fauna.

“One of the most important things I can do as a professor is get students out of their comfort zone and get them abroad,” Swanson said. “New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and a way to show students something that’s very important to me.”

From May 12 to June 5, Swanson and students Hope Allen ’15, Howie Clift ’16, Eric Dominguez ’15, Lydia Lyons ’16, Steph Marvel ’15, Heather Nicholson ’15, Sydney Richter ’14, Allie Rockwell ’15, Kelsey Stafstrom ’14 and Karl Varkey ’14 backpacked their way through the country with their trusty coach driver Brian.

Along the way, the group experienced the great diversity New Zealand has to offer, visiting sites such as the glowworm caves in Waitomo, the volcanic ecosystems of Rangitoto Island and the geothermal springs of Waiotapu.

“I wanted the students to look at how New Zealand was formed, how it’s changed over time with the introduction of the Maori people, how the early Europeans came and then how modern Europeans came in and tried to fix the messes that previous groups had made,” Swanson said.

For Stafstrom, a biology major who had never been abroad before, going on the trip was a no-brainer. “Every single day was cool and different and special and unique,” she said. “In a matter of hours, you could leave the beach, drive through mountains, go through the grassy knolls of farmland and then at the end of the day, end up back at the ocean.”

Marvel said a highlight of the trip was spending a night in a traditional Maori village, which gave the students the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of New Zealand’s indigenous Polynesian people. “It was a completely difficult cultural immersion, getting to experience what they did,” she said. “I thought it was really special.”

New Zealand is a good country to visit because it’s the same but different, said Swanson, who plans to run the trip again in a year or two. “The thing that I’m most happy to hear when people come back is for them to say “I’m not afraid to travel,'” he said. “If I can give them that confidence, as well as teach them about sociology and biology along the way, I’ve done my job.”

Editor’s note: Click here to view the photo album from the New Zealand trip.

0
Shares
  • Share On Facebook
  • Tweet It




  • RSS Calendar of Events

    • End of add/drop period for Graduate Session II
      Monday, May 23
    • College search workshop: Essay Writing Workshop
      Wednesday, May 25

      Arguably one of the toughest assignments of your educational career, join us to see how the college essay can instead be one of your favorite projects! We will go over topic selection, do's and don’ts and provide examples of essays that shaped admissions decisions. Now is the time to start thinking about your college essay, you will thank yourself come November!

      Contact: Office of Admissions
    • Memorial Day – No classes
      Monday, May 30
    • Virtual information session for prospective students
      Tuesday, May 31

      Meet with a member of Admissions Office to hear about Salve Regina's mission, campus life and academics directly from an admissions counselor in a group setting. It's a great introduction to Salve Regina and all the opportunities that exist for you here. 

      A virtual information session is designed for those who are in the college search and application process. If you would like to learn more about Salve Regina University and have your questions answered in a live chat, this is the best place to start. Our sessions last approximately one hour.

      You will also be able to view our virtual tour as part of your registration for this presentation. 

      Preregistration is required.

      Contact: Office of Admissions
    • Reunion Weekend
      Friday, June 3 to Sunday, June 5

      Reunion Weekend will be packed with exciting events both on and off campus. It's been too long since we've been able to welcome you to campus for a reunion celebration, so these events are sure to be worth the trip back to Newport. Return to campus and reconnect with your classmates - all alumni are welcome to attend.

      Contact: Office of Alumni, Parent and Family Programs
    • Last day to withdraw from Session 1
      Friday, June 3
    • State of the University
      Saturday, June 4

      Hear from University leaders the state of student life and where Salve Regina is headed. Whether you’ve recently graduated or you’re returning after a hiatus, campus has updates!
      This event will be live on campus and live-streamed for those unable to attend in person. Please register to receive the Zoom link for the live stream.

      Contact: Gill Goodrich
    • Graduate Admissions virtual information session: Applied Behavior Analysis
      Wednesday, June 8

      M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis

      Contact: Graduate Admissions
    • Last day of Session 1
      Friday, June 24
    • Newport MFA: Conversation with Stewart O’Nan
      Monday, June 27
      Ochre Court

      Stewart O’Nan in Conversation with Ann Hood
      About his new novel OCEAN STATE
      Newport MFA guest writer Stewart O’Nan will discuss his new novel “Ocean State” with Ann Hood, founding director of the program. The conversation is free and open to the Salve Regina community and the general public.

      Contact: Tiffany McClanaghan
  • Browse Sections

    Salve Success

    Health and Wellness

    Mercy Mission

    Arts and Humanities

    Science and Technology

    Event Coverage

    Business and Economics

    Graduate News



Stay Updated

Latest news from SALVEtoday

 

  • Salve Regina University

    100 Ochre Point Avenue
    Newport, Rhode Island 02840 USA

     (401) 847-6650

    (c) 2022 Salve Regina University

  • SALVEtoday Archives


  • News
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • Faculty/Staff
  • Campus Portal Login
Press enter/return to begin your search