Location

New Zealand is one of the most unique and awe-inspiring countries in the world. Its majestic beauty and give-it-a-go attitude will serve as an ideal setting for self-exploration and discovery. Its scenery sets it apart from the rest of the planet, while its people have a reputation for friendliness, strength, and independence.

New Zealand has a population of only four million and is similar in size to the United Kingdom or California. It is considered a safe and comfortable destination for international students and visitors. New Zealanders are inherently interested in the world and other people, as well as the outdoors and environment, providing a strong example for global citizenship and adventure.

The North Island represents rich diversity in scenery, lifestyle, and culture. While the majority of New Zealanders are of British descent, the largest minority is New Zealand’s indigenous Maori who make up around 14 percent of the population. Most Maoris, along with many Asians and Pacific Islanders, live in the country’s North Island.

There two official languages, English and Maori. As an English speaking country, you can immerse with the locals and immediately apply your new skills. Upon completion of the program, we encourage you to continue the self-exploration and adventure by traveling independently through the rest of New Zealand.

Five days will be spent at the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre (OPC), which has a comprehensive learning facility and a highly trained staff specializing in leadership development and experiential learning. Located between Lake Taupo (New Zealand’s largest lake) and Tongariro National Park (New Zealand’s first national park and home to three of the country’s most spectacular volcanic peaks), the OPC provides a pristine yet challenging classroom in an extraordinarily beautiful environment.

Overview

Thousands of students graduate college each year but have little direction of what to do next in life. Surprisingly, few graduates are equipped with the skills and confidence that will empower them to achieve their goals or adapt successfully into a professional career. Leadership training is an extremely valuable tool for developing such skills across any and all disciplines, and leadership is considered one of the most broadly needed skills among recent graduates and professionals. In today’s world, there is significant demand for a new generation of leaders who can bring about positive change in local, national, and international affairs.

This AustraLearn short course emphasizes leadership, personal development, and team building. Students already practicing leadership skills and those who might not otherwise see themselves as leaders or as team players will both realize their ability to develop in these areas. You will also come away with a sense of accomplishment and pride after your experience. The Outdoor Pursuits portion of the program encourages students to bond together, trust one another, and learn how to work as a team.

Course Itinerary and Outline

Auckland: The group will participate in a Program Introduction experience to gain knowledge of culture, focus on health and safety, and become acclimated to the environment prior to setting out on the leadership program. The group will also participate in a service project in the area to create community involvement and dialogue on the visionary and service oriented aspects of leadership development.

Rotorua: Students will have a series of guest speakers and lectures focusing on leadership training and cultural leadership elements. Experiential opportunities, such as a ropes course, focus the group on teambuilding aspects of the program.

Turangi (near Lake Taupo): Five days at The Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre of New Zealand (see box to the right) where participants will find a mix of experiential activities, reflection activities, and facilitated discussions focused on personal leadership development.

Wellington: The program concludes in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, where the group will be introduced to various leaders in the New Zealand community. Discussions continue on the the transition of leadership from yourself to others, a diversity workshop, Maori cultural leadership, innovation and inspiration, and career development.

The Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre

The Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre of New Zealand
OPC was established in 1973 to provide outdoor pursuits training for young New Zealanders. Its focus is the use of the outdoors as a medium for exploring leadership theory, skills, and issues. The course objectives are to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills to deal effectively with others and to be able to recognize and assume leadership styles necessary to assist in their development.

The Centre offers secondary school programs, adult industry/corporate training programs, small group adventure weekends, and navigation workshops. Programs interact with the New Zealand environment through activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, and ropes courses.

With qualified staff, the Centre delivers sessions on topics such as leadership style, communication skills, and personality profiles leading the participant to their own personal investigation of leadership with a focus on career planning or lifestyle balance. Each activity has a goal behind it that is either solved as a group or individual. Personal risk assessment, goal setting, and motivation are the cornerstones each day that participants challenge themselves through the activities presented in the program.

Fully catered on-site facilities are available to groups such as the AustraLearn Leadership Program, and students will be instructed on what to bring with them on the program to make their outdoor adventures exciting and achievable. 24-hour staff are on site as well as a group manager during the entire program including the outdoor pursuit program at the Sir Edmund Hillary Centre of New Zealand.

Program Highlights

•Admire the pristine, breathtaking scenery of New Zealand’s North Island

•Learn or enhance your leadership skills in a country rich in culture and innovation

•Five-day outdoor recreation component provides immersion into New Zealand’s natural beauty while building leadership expertise through experiential education

•Available as a stand-alone course or as an add on to a semester or year abroad in Australia, New Zealand, or Fiji


Who it’s For

Open to any student of at least sophomore standing enrolled in any major. Freshmen considered on a case-by-case basis.

Fees

Program Fees

$2,500.00

Fee Includes

Transport throughout the North Island program from Auckland to Wellington . Accommodation, most meals, excursions, all outdoor pursuits activities and field trips. International airfare into Auckland and out of Wellington NOT included but can be programmed as an add-on cost for students already studying abroad for a semester.

Fee Semester

The above fee is an estimate based on the Summer 2007 program fee. Fees are subject to change for future terms.

Facts

Location: North Island
Overseas Students: 0
Staff: 0
Total Enrolment: 0

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have the required GPA and have completed at least the equivalent of one year of full-time study at the university/college level. Freshmen considered on a case by case basis. The program is open to students of all majors and interests.

Required GPA: 2.50