Discover leadership and life skills in New Zealand's stunning mountains with Adventure WV from May 6-23, 2023. Earn 6 credits while backpacking, kayaking, and exploring. Financial aid available.
The trip will take place May 6-23, 2023. In previous years, participants have backpacked on The Routeburn Track, went sea kayaking through the Abel Tasman National Park, attended a Maori tribe cultural program and toured the cities of Queenstown and Nelson.
Though the trip takes place during summer, May is fall in New Zealand. Weather will be unpredictable, so Adventure WV will provide participants with information on what to pack!
Students can take the RPTR 255 course and earn 6 credits on the trip, studying leadership theory, critical wilderness skills and international programming concepts.
Learning outcomes are separated into four different modules: Wilderness Leadership, Wilderness Skills, International Context and Leave No Trace. The class will also feature a final, where students put these skills to the test in front of their instructors.
Adventure New Zealand will help students escape their comfort zone and learn new skills in challenging environments such as mountains, coasts, land and water that they can carry with them long after the trip is over.
Emily Chapman, Program Support Specialist for Adventure WV, says that she couldn’t believe her eyes when she first saw the New Zealand views.
“There were times, actually as soon as I got off the plane on the South Island, where my jaw dropped and I don't think I ever picked it back up. Looking around, I thought someone was playing a prank on me, or that I was on a movie set,” Chapman said. “Bringing the photos home, they do not do it justice.”
Chapman also says that the food on the trip was so amazing, she still has dreams about the meat pies and gelato that she ate.
“The other participants and I got to make our menu what we wanted to eat. The food was very rich and flavorful,” she said.
The total estimated program costs for Adventure New Zealand are $5,975. Cost includes course credits, airfare, meals, insurance, academic excursions and international accommodations. Additional expenses may include meals not already provided, passport fees and other personal spending.
Attendees will meet at the Rec Center on May 6th and head to the Pittsburgh International Airport for departure.
Trip applications operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. Course registration will be sent via email with course CRN on April 9th, and will close on April 15th – the WVU Summer Tuition Payment Deadline.