New Zealand

New Zealand is an island country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses - that of the North and South Islands - as well as numerous smaller islands. New Zealand is situated some 1,500 kilometres east of Australia across the Tasman Sea ( four hours flight). Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans. Polynesians settled New Zealand in 1250-1300 AD and developed a distinctive Maori culture, and Europeans first made contact in 1642 AD.  Currently, the population of New Zealand is about 4.4 million with the Maori peoples consisting of 15% of the population.

Hamilton is a small city in the northern island which boasts a large Maori population. Students are placed in schools around Hamilton and experience the education system which caters for both indigenous and other New Zealand people. The Education system in New Zealand is considered to be one of the finest in the world and students will be immersed in a different curriculum framework - one which caters for diversity in practice. The practicum will occur in August and will be 2 weeks in length.  We will travel over just before one weekend, which will be spent in Auckland, the middle weekend will comprise of other tourist activities, such as a visit and overnight stay in Rotorua, and the final week end will also comprise tourist activities, before leaving to return home

Students and staff are accommodated in a Youth Hostel which has shared bathroom, cooking and relaxation facilities.  This greatly reduces the cost of this experience. The Youth Hostel is within easy walking distance of supermarket, shops and the centre of town.  A mini-bus is hired or local transport is available.