Snapshot
Dates
| Term | Application Deadline | Program Start | Program End |
|---|---|---|---|
| May Session | February 1, 2027 | Tentative - May 10, 2027 | Tentative - May 28, 2027 |
About the Program
Program Highlights
- Examine an array of marine habitats Leigh Marine Lab located at the Goat Island Marine Reserve
- Explore the beautiful coastal New Zealand town of Leigh
- Snorkel or scuba in crystal clear waters of temperate reefs
- See animals and environments you will not find in the U.S.
- Go on nocturnal hikes to see the elusive kiwi bird
- Visit Waitomo Caves, Tawharani Reserve, Cape Reinga, 90-mile beach, Poor Knights Islands
- Learn about the Maori culture
Program Overview
Spend next May studying marine biology in the small but beautiful coastal community of Leigh, New Zealand! Observe abundant marine life in the crystal clear waters of the protected coves in the Goat Island Marine Reserve. This reserve contains arguably the most productive and accessible temperate water reef in the world! On Goat Island, you’ll have the chance to view numerous bird species such as reef herons, fantails, and blue penguins. You’ll have easy access to sandy beaches, mangrove forests, rocky intertidal and mudflat ecosystems. You’ll have numerous snorkeling opportunities and optional SCUBA trips led by local dive shops including offshore to the Poor Knights Islands. We’ll take field trips to Waitomo Caves Visitor Center, take a black water rafting trip, undertake nocturnal kiwi hunts in the Tawharani Reserve, sample local food at the Makana Farmers Market and learn about Maori culture at the Waitangi treaty grounds.
The above-mentioned field or snorkeling trips are planned with laboratory follow-ups to further examine the marine life you observed during the day. We will spend time on the lab’s research vessel in Harukari gulf with an opportunity to spot and listen to whales! You’ll also get to observe the use of underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) during portions of this program. Additional lectures will be given by marine biologists from Auckland University, New Zealand for you to learn more and get a glimpse of the teaching styles in New Zealand. This is sure to be one of the more memorable biology classes you enroll in during your college career!
The above-mentioned field or snorkeling trips are planned with laboratory follow-ups to further examine the marine life you observed during the day. We will spend time on the lab’s research vessel in Harukari gulf with an opportunity to spot and listen to whales! You’ll also get to observe the use of underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) during portions of this program. Additional lectures will be given by marine biologists from Auckland University, New Zealand for you to learn more and get a glimpse of the teaching styles in New Zealand. This is sure to be one of the more memorable biology classes you enroll in during your college career!
Academics
Prerequisites:
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Bio 1011 (or equivalent or instructor permission)
- Optional: SCUBA certification
Marine Biology in New Zealand, ILSA 3761, 4 credits
This course focuses on the marine environment. You will have access to the Goat Island Marine Reserve, the oldest reserve in New Zealand with abundant marine life, and will learn to compare and contrast the physical and biological attributes of individual marine ecosystems (i.e. sandy beach, mangroves, rocky intertidal.) You'll also learn to identify and classify marine organisms including plankton, invertebrates, fish, and birds. By the end of this course, you will understand the physiological adaptations for each organism to function successfully in its habitat.
Course Topics & Components
- Ecosystems & marine life
- Whale watching
- ROV (remotely operated vehicle) demonstration
- Snorkeling with an option to SCUBA
- Lectures from Auckland University graduate faculty
This course is approved to count for:
- A Biology elective
- Liberal Education: Global Perspectives
Cost Information
Use this cost estimate to help calculate expenses and budget for your study abroad program. This includes all program fees billed to your UMD student account and necessary out-of-pocket expenses. Please note that cost estimates and fees may change depending on international economic factors. We will post final fees once enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined in order to provide the most accurate pricing. We strive to post final fees by October 1 for Winter and Spring programs, March 1 for May/Summer programs, and May 1 for Fall and Academic Year programs. This cost does not include the $50 application fee.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Scholarships are Available!
- Financial aid applies to May and Summer sessions. Students are discouraged from enrolling in an online course that runs during the same time as their study abroad program. Short-term programs are academically and time-intensive and depending on the location wifi access can be unpredictable and intermittent.
- Note: Credits taken on study abroad programs cannot be used toward the Bulldog Bundle.
Travel Documents
Get a passport right on campus! Processing times vary, but it can take several weeks to a few months receive one. If you already have a passport, make sure its expiration date goes at least 6 months beyond the end date of your program so it's valid the entire time you're abroad.
Contact
Program Instructors
Allen Mensinger, Ph.D., is a professor of Biology. His main research interest is the neural mechanism of behavior and has been studying fish for over 30 years. He spends summer at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole, MA and offers "full immersion" field experiences by studying nature and not books. He has conducted UMD marine field trips to MBL, Friday Harbor Laboratory, Washington, New Zealand and South Africa
Department of Biology
Office: 13 SSB
218-726-7259
[email protected]
Study Abroad Instructor-Led Program Coordinator
Apply
Before you click on the "Start my application" button below, make sure you know how to identify the correct program by searching for the:
- Program Name: UMD - Instructor-Led: Marine Biology in New Zealand - May Session;
and the - Term (e.g. May Session 2027)
A $50 non-refundable application fee will be billed to your One Stop account upon submission of an application.
After you apply
- After approximately 20 minutes, you will see checklist items for you to complete.
- All application checklist items need to be submitted by the application deadline which is noted near the top of the page.
- Your UMD Program Contact will review your application materials.
- You must complete the Confirmation of Participation form to confirm your participation.
- Once we receive your confirmation, your UMD account will be billed a confirmation deposit.
If you decide you cannot participate, you must log in to the online application system and submit the "Cancellation Request form."
Program health and safety information
is available at GO SAFE.
