Creation Care - New Zealand
 
Program Terms: Fall or Spring Semester
 
Homepage: http://www.creationcsp.org/programs/new_zealand_program
 
GPA: 3.0
Taught in: English
Housing: mix of campus housing, homestays, and hostels
 
Program
Through ecological field studies, homestays, and participation in a diversity of cultural activities students explore the ecological and cultural diversity of New Zealand.  Learning to sustainably care for both non-human creation and human communities tops off an academically rigorous and spiritually transformative semester.
 
Location
Kaikoura, New Zealand
 
Nestled under the South Island’s snow capped Kaikoura range, but less than two miles to the ocean, CCSP’s Old Convent campus is the ideal setting for a New Zealand study program.  Jump on your CCSP issued bike, and within minutes you’ll be experiencing small town Kiwi life.  Bike a little further and you’ll be at the beach where dolphins and seals frolic, and further off-shore whales are hunting.
 
Courses
Te Reo Maori (the Maori language): 1 credit
We might ask, “Why choose to learn te reo Maori (the Maori language) if one is only in New Zealand for four months?”  The answer lies in the close proximity of language and culture. Te reo Maori and tikanga Maori (Maori culture) are intertwined, and so learning te reo Maori allows students to access te ao Maori (the Maori world) and Maori world views. As students compare tikanga Maori with other cultures within New Zealand and overseas, they’ll develop an understanding of the central roles that language, culture, place and heritage play in shaping identity and in giving direction and meaning to life.
 
God and Nature: 4 credit hours
Central to the mission of CCSP, this course helps students to develop a theology of creation that understands humans as stewards of the earth. Through the study of scripture, and other relevant texts, students explore the theology of creation, biblical stewardship, questions of faith and science, and Christian responses to current environmental problems.
 
Introduction to Sustainable Community Development: 4 credit hours
This course explores how knowledge of ecological systems, globalization, political economy, and the biblical worldview come together in the pursuit of development that is community-minded, just, and ecologically sustainable. Through readings, lectures and fieldtrips, students study complex issues in sustainable development such as the nexus of poverty, the environment, and justice, and the many practical challenges associated with sustainable community development.
 
New Zealand Ecosystems: 4 credit hours
In this field-based ecology course students not only explore New Zealand's fascinating terrestrial and near-shore marine ecosystems, they also undertake a terrestrial ecosystems research project.  In addition to studying New Zealand ecosystems this course is also designed to help students scientifically apprehend a broad understanding of global environmental issues.
 
Environmental Literature: 3 credit hours
This course introduces students to the landscape of environmental literature, both past and present, providing a solid grounding in the field. Through key readings, discussions, and reflections of various environmental literature forms including short story, essay, and poetry, students consider what makes literature "environmental" and why this field of literature was and is so important in shaping an earthy faith, and worldview. 
 
Possible Credits: 16 credit hours
 
Housing
Students reside on campus at the historic Old Convent bed and breakfast, located in the rural Kaikoura Flats, an expanse of dairy farmland at the foot of the Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Range.
 
The Convent building houses most of the student bedrooms, classroom, kitchen, dining room, library and lounge.   Additional student housing and faculty rooms are located in the adjacent schoolhouse.  In general, enrollment each semester ranges from 10-20 students, who, along with program staff, all live on campus. When CCSP is based at the Old Convent, 2-3 students share a room. Each room contains 2 or 3 twin beds and an ensuite bathroom. Storage space is limited to a shared wardrobe or closet and a few drawers for each student.  The lounge, library, dining room, prayer room, study room and classroom provide additional places for relaxation and work. A patio deck with a view of the Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Range and the backyard are great spaces to hang out, dry laundry and enjoy a great view, or get into gardening.
 
Resources
Program Website: https://www.creationcsp.org/new-zealand-program
 
Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.creationcsp.org/faq