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 degree at OSU. During the course of this semester or year, you will be able to study, travel, 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 nearly 50 percent international students from about 60 countries, Lincoln University maintains the atmosphere of a small, close-knit community. The campus is 13 miles from Christchurch (pop. 300,000) and a short distance from skiing and tramping (hiking) in the foothills and mountains of the Southern Alps.
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 thriving study abroad and exchange program.
Academics
To qualify for the New Zealand program, you should apply when you are a sophomore if you wish to attend during your junior year (apply as a junior to attend as a senior, etc.). Additionally, you must maintain good academic standing throughout your studies. While attending Lincoln University, you'll pay Lincoln tuition (unless you qualify for the exchange) and receive 24 OSU credits per semester at Lincoln.
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 Lincoln University website.
Activities
Sports are an important facet of Lincoln University 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
Lincoln's semi-catered flats provide co-op style housing and dinners in the dining hall for the nine-month academic year. Accommodations are affordable and centrally located on the Lincoln campus. 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
The cost of tuition depends upon whether a student utilizes the exchange or opts to pay tuition directly to Lincoln University as an international student. 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 online. After you submit the online application and required materials, you will be contacted for a personal interview. You can find the application here.
For more information about the Lincoln University program write, call or visit:
College of Agricultural Sciences
Academic Programs Office
Oregon State University
147 Strand Agriculture Hall
Corvallis, OR 97331
(541) 737-2211
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