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Global Programs and Services (GPS)

Positive Psychology in New Zealand

Note (3/10/2020)

We are very sorry to announce that we anticipate all Summer 2020 Study Abroad related travel to be canceled. See the full announcement for details. For more updates in regard to the COVID-19 incident, please visit the CSUSM Incident Response page.

 

 Queenstown

Program Highlights:

Led by Professor Emily Merryweather, our Summer in New Zealand program will allow you a firsthand glimpse of a country continually ranking in the Top 10 Happiest Countries by the World Happiness Report.  New Zealand, a sovereign country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean has made the well-being of its citizens a priority.  After a devastating earthquake and horrifying terrorist attack, the nation rallied strong by evoking their sense of generosity, sense of community and receiving vital government support for the care and safety of its citizens.  With these factors of resilience, the 2019 World Happiness Report's ranking placed New Zealand in 8th place out of 156 countries scoring high on all the main factors found to support happiness:  caring, freedom, generosity, honesty, health, income and good governance.

From glaciers to rainforests, this island country has much to offer CSUSM students.  They will gain an appreciation for how New Zealand successfully balances its reverence for its land and ancient roots while holding a modern perspective in a global society.  Class will focus on discussions, quizzes, assigned readings, group projects, and include 15 hours of service learning with the American Language and Culture Institute.

Program Highlights include:

  • Walking tours of Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown
  • Excursion to Waiheke Island
  • Tour of Zealandia Urban Eco Sanctuary
  • Excursion to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound
  • Botanical Garden visits and more!

Academic Calendar:

June 15-28, 2020

Academic Focus:

Psychology 344:  Positive Psychology

Language of Instruction:

English

Requirements: 

  • Class level:  Upper-division standing or prior approval by professor
  • GPA:  2.75 and above; good academic standing prior to departure

Units:

3 units of PSYC 344:  Positive Psychology

Housing:

Shared rooms in clean, high quality hostels in Auckland (3 nights), Wellington (4 nights) & Queenstown (4 nights)

Estimated Cost: 

$2,900 + $252 Extended Learning Fees

Program fees include local transportation in country, shared accommodation, daily breakfast, excursions, welcome/farewell dinners, and medical insurance.  International airfare (~$800-$1,100) & in-country flights from Auckland to Wellington (~$50), Wellington to Queenstown (~$30-$85) and Queenstown to Auckland (~$70) as well as personal expenditures are NOT included in the program cost, and estimated at $1,800. 

*Price reduction possible if student enrollment exceeds 13 students.

Some Useful Airfare Search Engines:

Ideally, we will get all program participants together for pre-departure orientation in which we will discuss the program, curriculum and make flight suggestions.  It is recommended that you await this meeting before booking any flights.

How to Apply:

  1. Attend an information session by Faculty Leader, Emily Merryweather.
  2. Fill out the online application materials via the link below.   All application materials must be received to Global Education, Extended Learning Building 5th Floor, Room 588, by noon December 13, along with your $300 non-refundable deposit.  Space is limited!  Online payment preferred through CashNet.  Please be advised to choose E-check and enter your checking account details to avoid the 2.65% convenience fees applicable to all non-checking account payments. Cash, checks, and money orders made payable to CSUSM will also be accepted.
  3. A second payment of $700 is due by noon February 7 to the Office of Global Education.  CashNet payment is preferred as outlined above.  Payment of tuition related expenses ($252) will be billed by Extended Learning and appear on your Student Center, following the payment guidelines set out for Summer session.  
  4. Final payment of program fees is due by noon March 20 to the Office of Global Education. 
  5. A mandatory pre-departure orientation will be held with Global Education, The Education Abroad Network and Professor Merryweather on Tuesday, May 5 from 12:00-1:00 pm in SBSB 1105 to discuss arrival instructions and the upcoming course.  Proof of attendance will be recorded.

Contact Professor Emily Merryweatherfor additional details:  emerryweathe@csusm.edu.

Attend an upcoming information session:

Day Time Location
Friday, October 25 10:30-11:30 am SBSB 3219
Thursday, November 14 12:00-12:50 pm MARK 203
Friday, November 22 10:30-11:30 am SBSB 3219
Tuesday, December 3 12:00-12:50 pm MARK 203
Tuesday, December 10 12:00-12:50 pm MARK 203