Wellington, New Zealand Victoria University of Wellington Introduction The Victoria University of Wellington program is one of a number of Education Abroad programs conducted by Penn State in Europe, the Middle East, Central America, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. More than 600 students from a wide variety of majors participate annually in these programs. The Office of Education Abroad Programs conducts the Victoria University program in cooperation with Penn State's Australian- New Zealand Studies Center. Objectives The Penn State Education Abroad Program at the Victoria University of Wellington functions within the context of the objectives characterizing all Penn State's study abroad opportunities, especially to: - enable students to receive instruction in several disciplines within the context of another culture and enrich their general academic studies; - provide adequate professional training when a study abroad experience is especially desirable, and to add to the intellectual and professional development of students in specialized fields of study; - enable students to expand their knowledge of the culture of a country or region of the world by living and studying abroad, as well as gain a more objective perspective of the values and way of life in their own country; - promote the educational goals of the University by providing overseas programs designed to increase the international understanding of students; - provide opportunities for students from cooperating universities in foreign countries to benefit from study at Penn State through reciprocal exchange programs. Specifically, the Victoria University program aims to: - enable Penn State undergraduate students to enroll at a New Zealand university in courses centrally related to their academic program; - provide the opportunity to study firsthand the social, economic, and political heritage and concerns of New Zealand and its Pacific environment; - stimulate a sensitivity to non-American perceptions of the world community; - complement Penn State's on-campus relations with New Zealand and New Zealanders, as expressed through instruction, research, cultural programs, and the contributions of visiting New Zealanders. Wellington The first shipload of New Zealand Company settlers arrived aboard the Aurora in January 1840 and settled in Wellington, named after the first Duke of Wellington in recognition of his support for the New Zealand Company scheme. Located on the southern tip of the North Island of New Zealand, Wellington faces out onto Wellington Harbor, considered one of the finest deep-water harbors in the world. It is the second largest urban area, with a population of more than 320,000, and is the capital city and geographic center of New Zealand. Wellington is also the center of the country's financial and political power as well as an important arts and cultural center, home to the National Symphony Orchestra, National Ballet and Opera Companies, three major theatrical venues, and a large number of art galleries, including the National Gallery. Victoria University of Wellington The Victoria University of Wellington was founded in 1897 by the Victoria University College Act, largely at the urging of Prime Minister Richard Seddon upon his return from England. The new college, affiliated with the University of New Zealand in 1899, had an academic staff of four professors and 115 students. Today, Victoria University has more than 10,000 students and offers a wide range of courses in the arts, science, business, and law. There is an active student union with seventy different clubs, a weekly student newspaper called the Salient, and a radio station, Radio Active. The University enrolls a number of overseas students, many of whom are from the South Pacific and Asia. The campus, located in Kelburn, overlooks Wellington's downtown area and is within easy walking distance of the city, Parliament, National Library, and National Archives. Program Description The New Zealand academic calendar starts in late February and ends in mid-November. Penn State students have the option of enrolling for either the spring semester (first semester in New Zealand) or the full academic year at Victoria University. If students enroll for the spring semester only, which ends in July, they must be sure to enroll in courses that are not continuing into the second semester. The program does not offer any courses specially tailored for Penn State students. Victoria University courses tend to encompass a greater content range than typical Penn State courses. The Victoria University offers a wide variety of courses emphasizing history, politics, literature, Maori studies, foreign policy, etc. It also has considerable offerings relating to the Pacific, Southeast Asian, and East Asian regions. Students are required to take a full course load of 15 credits per semester. Grading As with any course at Penn State, responsibility for assessing the student's academic achievement lies with the course instructors. Victoria University's evaluations are then translated into Penn State grade equivalents. Accreditation Participants may choose from a variety of courses offered by Victoria University. If participants elect to take a course that has not previously been accredited by Penn State, they must work with the appropriate academic department to ensure proper accreditation. Living Arrangements Victoria University does not prescribe any particular student living arrangements. By far the most sensible arrangement for Penn State students attending the university is to live in one of the residence halls directly on Victoria University's grounds. The application process for on-campus housing begins about a month after the enrollment materials are sent to Victoria University. They are then handled by a separate housing office at Victoria and students make payments directly to that office. Participants do not, therefore, pay room and board to Penn State. Penn State students are eligible for all Victoria University housing on the same basis as Victoria students and will not be separated from local students or given preferential treatment due to their status. Eligibility The Victoria University program is open to all regularly enrolled students at Penn State. Applicants must be in good academic standing and show evidence of maturity, stability, adaptability, self-discipline, and strong academic motivation. Participants are generally juniors when they begin studying at Victoria University. Participants in the Victoria University program should have a 3.0 grade point average or better. Program Prerequisites Students must complete the following course before departure: ENGL 297A Australian and New Zealand Literature Orientation A specially designed orientation program, conducted during the semester immediately before departure, is intended to prepare participants for the adjustment to living and studying in New Zealand. Attendance at all orientation sessions is mandatory. Victoria University conducts an on- site orientation, beginning one week before classes start, that Penn State students are required to attend. Victoria University personnel are available for personal and/or academic counseling throughout the period of residence at Victoria. Application Procedures Applications must be submitted one year in advance. All applications are due November 1 for the full academic year and March 1 for the spring semester. Interviews are held and students are notified of acceptance before the end of the spring semester. Final course selection for Victoria University, submission of enrollment and housing preference forms, and the processing of visas takes place during the fall semester before departure. Students would normally leave for New Zealand in mid- February, but may leave earlier according to their travel preferences. Costs Tuition charges for the Victoria University program are the same as for full-time study at University Park Campus. Tuition charges are payable to the Bursar's Office in accordance with the standard procedures and deadlines for regular semester charges at the University Park Campus. Residence hall room and/or board charges are paid directly to Victoria University's housing office and may vary from one residence to another. Residence hall costs are generally higher than those at University Park Campus and may include some extra fees. Textbooks and supplies are additional personal expenses. Students are also required to pay a $150 nonrefundable program fee at the time of accepting an enrollment offer. Round-trip airfare is an additional cost to the student. New Zealand is served by many international airlines, and students may choose among various travel plans. Financial Assistance The standard forms of financial assistance are available through the Office of Student Aid. Since students remain registered at Penn State while abroad, financial aid packages continue during the time in which a student is enrolled in this program. The Office of Education Abroad Programs coordinates closely with the Office of Student Aid to help needy students obtain funds to cover the additional costs incurred by study abroad. The Office of Education Abroad Programs also has a modest grant-in-aid fund that can be drawn upon for exceptionally needy and qualified students. Health Insurance All participants are required to carry sufficient health and accident insurance. In addition, participants are required to purchase health insurance through the New Zealand government. Details of the New Zealand national health insurance is given during orientation. Medical facilities in New Zealand are of the highest international standard. Personal liability insurance is also strongly recommended. Planning Ahead To exploit the many advantages and opportunities of an Education Abroad experience, it is essential that students, in consultation with their academic advisers, plan well in advance. With careful planning, every participant in this program not only gains regular Penn State credit, but can apply the credits earned abroad to General Education, elective, and/or major and minor requirements. Like all Penn State's semester and academic year education abroad programs, this program satisfies the University's cultural diversity requirement. Each student is required to check with his/her adviser or dean to discuss what impact study abroad may have on his/her progress toward graduation. For further information and application forms, contact your campus Education Abroad adviser or: OFFICE OF EDUCATION ABROAD PROGRAMS THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY 222 BOUCKE BUILDING UNIVERSITY PARK PA 16802-5900 TEL: (814) 865-7681 or AUSTRALIA-NEW ZEALAND STUDIES CENTER THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY 427 BOUCKE BUILDING UNIVERSITY PARK PA 16802-5903 TEL: (814) 863-1603