Travel with HSS to New Zealand and Back Again!
Posted: January 10, 2023 | Author: Abbie Cochrane | Read Time: 2 minutes
Speak, friend, and enter…to be a part of Southern Utah University’s Middle-earth centered study abroad excursion to New Zealand. Themed around J.R.R. Tolkien's world, students of all majors can earn credit this spring by traveling the road to Mordor. The trip lasts 13 days in May of 2023 and travels across nine cities on the north island.
The trip is headed by professors from the Anthropology, English, Biology, and Outdoor Studies departments, offering many interesting classes that correlate with the trip. Joy Sterrantino, associate professor of English, will be teaching an English 1010 class, a Lord of the Rings class (ENGL 2010), and Literature and Cultures of Middle Earth (ENGL 2200). Other classes include Biology 1010, Advanced Biology Workshop (BIO 4920), Cultural Anthropology (ANTH 1010), Cultures of Polynesia (ANTH 3600), and Interdisciplinary Outdoor Studies (ORPT 3500). Classes are completely optional; students are more than welcome to simply come along for the ride. Most class discussions will take place in the field rather than in the classroom, and assignments will be assigned after the trip. Along with receiving a new perspective on the world and classwork, students will be able to participate in many different activities taking place during the trip including a trip to visit Auckland and taking a guided tour across the island.
“It’s certainly a bucket list opportunity,” said Professor Sterrantino. “New Zealand is one of those places not many people get the chance to visit. I wish I had studied abroad as a student.”
For students who are worried about the financial aspect of the trip, don’t be! There are various financial aid resources available to help ease or sometimes waive travel fees. In some instances, tuition may be waived completely (except for airfare). Trip members will also be able to cook their own meals provided for them at their residence in New Zealand. To learn more, visit the Cashier’s Office in the Sharwan Smith Student Center, or ask a professor going on the trip.
“I would encourage students not to let the price tag scare them away from a great experience,” Professor Sterrantino added. “Seeing a new part of the world changes your perspective. Traveling helps us empathize with other people from situations different than our own. It allows us to compare and connect what we’re used to with what we’re experiencing. We question what we know and open ourselves up to learn new things.”
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences trip to New Zealand still has spots available and applications are due by January 15, 2023. Talk to a professor involved or the Office of Learning Abroad to find out more about the application process. Start applying for the next adventure by traveling to New Zealand and back again!
“The Road goes ever on and on down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, and I must follow, if I can.” –Bilbo Baggins
Tags: College of Humanities and Social Sciences Study Abroad International Affairs English
