Program dates for 2026 are to be determined. 

This is a credit bearing program, earning 9 credits! They will count towards upper level science classes. There are two courses detailed below.

SCIEN301 Capstone Project: Marine Conservation, Human Use and Underwater Noise

Students will get to complete an interdisciplinary project of relevance to the community, in the theme of marine conservation and underwater sound. They will visit an area of a newly established Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Bay of Plenty and will engage with the community and stakeholders such as the regional council, Department of Conservation and iwi/ hapū.

• Paper workload: 40 contact hours and 110 study time
• Credit: 15 Waikato Points | 4 US Credits | 7.5 ECTS
• Level: Level 3, third-year undergraduate
• Assessment: Participation (20%), Final Group Presentation (30%), Individual Report (50%)

MARIN201 Marine Conservation and Spatial Management

The paper will provide students with an overview of marine conservation science to support spatial management. The overarching objective of the paper is to equip students with a scientific understanding of the principles of marine conservation and relevant quantitative skills to support ecosystem-based management of the marine estate.

• Paper workload: 60 contact hours and 90 study time
• Credit: 15 Waikato Points | 4 US Credits | 7.5 ECTS
• Level: Level 2, second-year undergraduate
• Assessment: Online Quizzes (10%), Assignment 1 (25%), Assignment 2 (25%), Lecture Participation (10%), Final Exam (30%)

As part of the program, you will stay in an iconic holiday park located on the famous Mount Maunganui Main Beach.

Each cabin features its own deck – the ideal spot to relax and watch the world go by. Make sure you get up early to watch the sunrise over the ocean!

You will share a spacious cabin with two other students on the Marine program. The cabins all have a table and chairs, flat screen TV, small fridge, kettle and heaters are provided too.

Each cabin on the program will be provided with brand-new crockery, cutlery and linen. All cabins are within an easy walk of the clean and tidy amenities block where you will find the shared kitchen, showers, laundry and more.

Relax and enjoy the great "Kiwi camping experience" and if you feel like a treat, explore restaurants and cafés close by.

The program fee in 2025 for 6 weeks was $9,707 USD. This is subject to change in future years.

What's included:

• Papers/Courses: SCIEN301 & MARIN201
• Official academic credit from a top-ranked university in New Zealand
• Beachfront accommodations right at the base of Mount Maunganui
• Welcome pack that includes essential ‘kiwi’ cooking/food items
• Airport pickup from Auckland International Airport
• Trips/excursions (academic and fun)
• A Māori cultural experience
• A dedicated orientation and farewell
• Insurance – medical and travel
• Official University of Waikato Academic Transcript

What's NOT included:

• International Airfares
• Visa (New Zealand Visitor Visa or visa-waiver)
• Personal expenses during your free-time
• All Meals

The application is due by April 1, 2026. Link to the application is here. If you are interested in this program, please talk to Josh Fess before applying.