Join us for the “New Zealand Study Abroad Program.” The next travel dates are from December 26, 2023 to January 9, 2024.
Optional course credit is available via Fall 2023 Course BUSI-4770 NZ Culture & Busi for undergraduate students and BUSI-5770 NZ Culture & Busi for MBA students. Check out photos from previous trips! If you have any questions, please contact us.
This course furthers students’ exploration of New Zealand culture. The travel dates are December 26, 2023 to January 9, 2024. Through the pre-trip preparation, trip, and course students will have the opportunity to learn more about business practices in New Zealand while immersing themselves in Kiwi culture. Students will meet with business professionals to learn about business customs and practices abroad. In addition, students will venture though museums, explore historical landmarks, taste the local cuisine, and journey through iconic sites like Hobbiton and the Milford Sound. This adventure will provide a better understanding of New Zealand’s business environment, religious practices, culture, history, art, politics, education system, sports, geography, and ecosystem.
Experience
The trip takes place from December 26, 2023 to January 9, 2024. During this time students will:
- Meet and network with business professionals
- Learn about New Zealand culture and business
- Experience product and franchise adaptations
- Possibly visit business schools and meet with faculty
- Manage a budget and travel logistics
- Reflect on experiences
- Create a promotional marketing video
Location
Students will spend time in at least three New Zealand cities, as well as plan group trips to cities of their choice.
Wellington
Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and provides an opportunity to learn about the country’s parliamentary system. Students can enjoy the city’s rich history, culture, and cuisine. Things to Do
Auckland
Auckland is the hub of New Zealand’s commerce. Picture a city where people are serious about business but also have the opportunity to enjoy hiking trails, beaches, and enchanting islands. Things to Do
Queenstown
Queenstown is referred to as the “adventure capital of the world.” Outdoor activities include skiing/snowboarding, bungy jumping, horseback riding, sky diving, and more. Things to Do
Team Choice Cities
Students plan group travel, including time management, logistics/transportation, finance/budgeting, etc. Where do you want to go in New Zealand?
Cost & Registration
$3,987 + course credit hour fees
Registration Deadline: Monday, April 17, 2023
- Flights to and from the USA are not included in the above cost.
- A $450 deposit is due with your application. This deposit is included in the full program fee.
- Full payment of all fees is due Monday, May 1, 2023.
Included in the Program Cost:
- Meals
- Accommodations
- Transportation within New Zealand
- Numerous excursions, activities, and tours
- International insurance
NOT Included:
- Flights to and from the USA
- Souvenirs and other items not specified in the above included category
Travel Itinerary
- Departure: December 26, 2023
- Return: January 9, 2024
This itinerary is subject to change.
Week 1
| Day 1 Tue, Dec 26 | Travel from USA to Auckland, New Zealand |
| Day 2 Wed, Dec 27 | Travel from USA to Auckland, New Zealand (Time Zone Change) |
| Day 3 Thu, Dec 28 | Travel from USA to Auckland, New Zealand North Shore – Devonport, Mount Victoria, Maungauika/North Head Historic Reserve (war tunnels), volcanic rock walk along the ocean (Business, Cuisine, History, Geography) |
| Day 4 Fri, Dec 30 | Auckland Museum and Gardens (Culture, History, Art, Maori People, Ecosystem, Geography) Meet with Business Professionals (Business) |
| Day 5 Sat, Dec 30 | Hobbiton (Culture, Entertainment Industry, Business) |
| Day 6 Sun, Dec 31 | Church (Religion) Maritime Museum and Sailing (Culture, Tradition, History, Sports) Kayak/Ferry to Rangitoto Volcanic Island (Geography, Ecosystem, History, Wildlife) |
| Day 7 Mon, Jan 1 | Tour Schools – AUT and The University of Auckland (Education System, Business) Meet with Business Professionals (Business) |
Week 2
| Day 8 Tue, Jan 2 | Travel Auckland to Wellington (New Zealand’s capital) New Zealand Parliament (Government, Law, Tradition) |
| Day 9 Wed, Jan 3 | Tour Massey Business School or Victoria University of Wellington (Education System) Wellington Cable Car (History, Transportation System) |
| Day 10 Thu, Jan 4 | Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (national museum) (Culture, History, Art, and Ecosystem) Meet with Business Professionals |
| Day 11 Fri, Jan 5 | Travel Wellington to Queenstown Meet with Business Professionals |
| Day 12 Sat, Jan 6 | Milford Sound (Geography, Wildlife, Ecosystem) |
| Day 13 Sun, Jan 7 | Church (Religion) Students plan group travel (time management, logistics/transportation, finance/budgeting, etc.) |
| Day 14 Mon, Jan 8 | Travel Queenstown to Auckland Students plan group travel (time management, logistics/transportation, finance/budgeting, etc.) |
Week 3
| Day 15 Tue, Jan 9 | Travel from Auckland, New Zealand to Atchison, Kansas, USA (Time Zone Change) |
BUSI-4770 NZ Culture & Busi or BUSI-5770 NZ Culture & Busi (Optional)
If students would like to earn course credit, then they may take a 2023 Fall Semester Course in addition to the trip.
- 0, 1, 2, and 3 credit hour options
- If a student chooses 3 credits:
- For All Undergraduate Majors: the credits count toward the total number of credits required for graduation
- For Undergraduate Management and International Business Majors: the credits can count for your business elective or international elective
- For MBA Students: the credits can replace/satisfy the required BUSI-6559 Global Strategy course
Assignments
- Prior to Travel (Fall Course): Participate in trip planning, reports, and presentations
- During Travel (Winter Break): Journals and experience New Zealand
- Post Travel: Promotional marketing video
Accompanying Professor
Madeline Rogers, M.B.A., J.D.
Assistant Professor, School of Business
- Lived in New Zealand for about 2 years
- Juris Doctor from Washburn University School of Law
- M.B.A. with specialization in International Business from AUT University in Auckland, New Zealand
- B.A. in Business Administration from Benedictine College
- Served as a marketing consultant for a New Zealand company looking to capture more the of the Australian market
- Teaches courses in business law and international business
- Student International Business Council Advisor
- Coordinated a Benedictine College and University of San Diego Student International Business Council trip to New Zealand
Testimonials
“Culture, Business, and Natural geographical beauty come together to create one of the most unique study abroad opportunities offered at Benedictine.”
– Student Peter
“Imagine if Indiana Jones met business class, minus the guns, chase scenes, and snakes. That is the NZ Study Abroad Program!”
– Student Brennan
“The experiences and opportunities that I had on this trip are something I would not have had in a classroom setting; and I am very blessed to have participated in the trip.”
– Student Elizabeth
“I have never felt so comfortable, happy, welcome and at ease in a country.”
– Student Willie
“The New Zealand study abroad program is an immersive study opportunity that gives real life experience in both international business and culture.”
– Student Elizabeth
“New Zealand is somewhere where you can learn to expand your community by being involved with activities that you aren’t normally used to doing.”
– Student Kevin
“New Zealand is your happy place.”
– Parent of Student
“Nonstop adventure in some of the most beautiful places on earth.”
– Student Peter
“New Zealand is a paradise that mankind needs, with a country in which the individual can thrive physically, mentally, and culturally”
– Student Brennan
“New Zealand: a place of enlightenment and adventure.”
– Student Kevin
