New Zealand Study Abroad Program

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Are you a student in the College of Agricultural Sciences or natural resources

program through the College of Forestry? Do you enjoy new challenges? Meeting people? Experiencing new cultures? Have you ever thought of visiting or living in another country? If your answer is "yes" to these questions, then studying in New Zealand might be the adventure you've been seeking.

Through a unique agreement between Oregon State University and Lincoln University in Canterbury, New Zealand, you have the opportunity to continue your studies in the Southern Hemisphere while earning credit toward your agricultural or forestry degree at OSU. During the course of this semester or year, you will be able to study, travel, work, and play in this beautiful and unique country.

Lincoln University

Lincoln University opened in 1878 with thirteen students. During the last century, New Zealand has earned a worldwide reputation for grassland farming. In recent years, scientists at Lincoln University have placed New Zealand at the forefront of world research in agriculture. Additionally, the school offers a wide range of degree options in other areas such as recreation, animal science, landscape architecture, Maori studies, marketing, natural resources, business, commerce, and more.

With a student population between 4,000 and 5,000, including 50 percent international students from about 60 countries, Lincoln University maintains the atmosphere of a small, close-knit community. The campus is 13 miles fiom Christchurch (pop. 300,000) and a short distance from skiing and tramping (hiking) in the foothills and mountains of the Southern Alps.

http://www.lincoln.ac.nz/

In the Beginning

Former OSU President Robert MacVicar and Professor James Douglas Stewart, former principal of Lincoln University, implemented an exchange program in January 1975. That year, five OSU agriculture students spent their junior year working, traveling and studying in New Zealand while five Lincoln University students continued their studies at OSU. The program continues today as a study abroad program, rather than an exchange program.

Academics

Poster

To qualify for the New Zealand program, you should apply when you are a sophomore if you wish to attend during your junior year. Additionally, you must maintain good academic standing throughout your studies. While attending Lincoln University, you'll pay Lincoln tuition and receive a year of OSU credits.

You will find courses at Lincoln comparable to OSU courses for majors in general agriculture, agricultural engineering technology, agricultural business management, animal sciences, crop and soil science, horticulture, forest recreation, and forest resources. Most study abroad students select the third-year core block of agriculture or forestry science lectures. This might include courses such as farm management, animal production, and plant production. To gain first-hand experience in New Zealand agricultural practices, you will also have the opportunity to visit private farming operations and research farms on the North and South Islands (part of the course field trips).

The Lincoln University academic year begins in mid-February and ends in October. The school year is divided into two semesters with three two-week holiday periods during and between the semesters.

Your academic advisor can help you in selecting courses that will be appropriate for your academic program. A list of courses, called "subjects," in New Zealand is available at http://www.lincoln.ac.nz/Degrees-Diplomas-and-Certificates/Courses-A---Z/

Work Experience

Before starting, or after completing the academic year at Lincoln, you will have the option of living and working on a farm for two or three months during the summer (November through February). Depending on your interest and background, you might choose to work in a mixed cropping, dairy, or horticulture operation, or at a high country sheep station. Salaries vary with the type of work and length of employment.

Work experience is not part of the academic curriculum at Lincoln. You will need to make your own arrangements, which often include getting a work visa.

Activities

Sports are an important facet of Lincoln College life - particularly rugby, soccer, cycling, volleyball, squash, hockey, hiking, and skiing. You can also round out your studies at Lincoln with club activities, films, and dances. An orientation session and fair during the first week of lectures will help acquaint you with the college's organizations and resources. This also allows you to talk with club members and leaders which will help you identify groups that fit your interests.

Housing

Campus residence halls provide room and board for the nine-month academic year. Campus flats (apartments) are less expensive but more difficult for study abroad students to acquire. In these flats, groceries, telephone, and utility charges are additional costs. Other housing options include living in a farmhouse flat (just off campus) or boarding off campus with residents in Lincoln or families in Christchurch.

Expenses

Because our program with Lincoln University is a study abroad program, rather than an exchange program, you will need to pay study abroad tuition to Lincoln University. Tuition may change year to year and will vary with the US-NZ currency exchange rate.

In addition to tuition, you will need to budget for living expenses, such as housing and personal items; travel expenses, including air fare and desired holiday travel; books and supplies; insurance; and recreation.

Most forms of financial aid available to you at OSU can be applied to the Lincoln University program. The Financial Aid Office in Kerr can provide more specific information or address questions you have in this area.

For a budget estimate, please contact the College of Agricultural Sciences Academic Programs Office.

Application

The application deadline for the program is April 1. You must submit an application with a statement of your professional goals, financial status, and three letters of recommendation regarding your academic ability, character, and practical experience. After you submit this material, you will be contacted for a personal interview. You can find an online version of the application here.