University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand

Fall Semester – 19 weeks (mid July to mid November)
Spring Semester - 18 weeks (February 21 - July 2, 2010)

Sponsored by the Department of Accounting and Information Systems in the Eli Broad College of Business

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

Students participating in this program will be introduced to the New Zealand society and educational system. They will explore the culture, natural science, history, social dimensions and business practices of New Zealand while studying at the University of Waikato.  Students from all MSU colleges are welcome to apply, although preference will be given to those students from the Eli Broad College of Business.  Additionally, this program encourages applicants interested in and/or pursuing Indigenous studies as well as those students pursuing the American Indian studies specialization. 

The University of Waikato was established in 1964 and is New Zealand’s forward-looking and innovative university, widely recognized for its flexibility and international standard of academic excellence.  In 2004, over 15,000 students were enrolled at Waikato and were represented by over 70 countries. 

Where does it take place?

Maori legend indicates that New Zealand was created by Maui, one of the most beloved demi-gods of Polynesian myth.  New Zealand lies east of Australia, in the Pacific Ocean and has a population of four million.  It is a multi-cultural society and has a strong commitment to the indigenous Maori population.  The country consists of two major islands, the North and South.  The whole country is easy to explore, with all parts of the country accessible by a few hours driving or flying. 

The University of Waikato is located on the North Island in the city of Hamilton.  Hamilton City is New Zealand’s fourth largest city; 90 minutes drive south of Auckland.  Hamilton City, comprising of approximately 120,000 people, has a café culture, which has developed in the last few years.  It is a young city, with ethnically diverse restaurants, nightlife, gardens, river walks, bush walks and its own modern museum.

The tourist activities of Rotorua, Waitomo, Auckland, Coromandel and the surfing and swimming beaches of Tauranga and Raglan are all within 90 minutes drive.  The major North Island’s mountain ski areas are only three hours way and an easy day or weekend excursion. 

Locally, students have many choices in sport and recreation.  Particularly popular are the nationally followed sports of Rugby, Netball and Cricket.  Hiking, surfing, caving, horse racing, boating, rowing, kayaking, fishing, golf, snow skiing, sailing, mountain biking, rock climbing and rafting are just a few activities to enjoy locally. 

The University of Waikato is spread out on 166 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds with extensive sporting and recreational areas surrounding three ornamental lakes. 

What can I study?

Waikato is a comprehensive university offering courses in such areas as:

While many of these subjects are approved areas of study, it is the student’s responsibility to consult with an adviser to determine specific course equivalencies and offerings during their intended semester of study.

This program is designed for students from a variety of disciplines and is open to all majors. 

Students will attend regular Waikato classes with New Zealand students. 

The typical semester load is equivalent to 15 MSU credits and is approximately 60 Waikato points. 

For specific course listings visit their web site. Business courses will be considered transfer credit and will not be computed into your MSU GPA with the exception of accounting.  For a detailed list of business course equivalencies at MSU visit transfer.msu.edu.

The International Center provides many services to study abroad students including: airport pick-up, orientation, and general advising to students. 

This is a co-sponsored program. Credit may be awarded for certain courses as regular MSU credit rather than transfer credit.  These courses will be listed on your official MSU transcript and will include the title of the course abroad, the number of credits and the grade earned. For further details see co-sponsored programs.

To find out what courses other students have taken on the program and what MSU courses they might replace, visit Transfer MSU and Office of the Registrar - Co-Sponsored Study Abroad Programs. Courses listed may not be offered every semester, and additional courses may be available during the semester you plan to participate.

Course prerequisites may apply; see Course Descriptions (on the MSU Website) or program leader for details.

What are the requirements?

MSU students from all academic majors are welcome to apply; however, priority will be given to students from the Eli Broad College of Business. 

All students must have at least sophomore status and be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 3.0 at the time of application. 

Students must also submit an essay with their application indicating their interest in the program and what particular aspects of New Zealand appeal to them.  Essays should demonstrate the applicant’s understanding and ability to manage cultural differences as well as their maturity in being an ambassador for MSU and the college they represent. 

Furthermore, early application and high GPA is not a guarantee of admission.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

Students have the option of on-campus or off-campus accommodations.  The residence halls offer fully-catered and self-catered accommodations with laundry facilities, TV lounges, and computer laboratories.  Homestay accommodation is also an option through the University.

Further information regarding accommodation options can be found on the University’s Web site.  

Who can tell me more about this program?

For Eli Broad College of Business majors:
Jayne Braverman
Eli Broad College of Business
Undergraduate Academic Services
402A Eppley Center
Phone: (517) 355-7605

Dwight Handspike
Eli Broad College of Business
Undergraduate Academic Services
402A Eppley Center
Phone: (517) 355-7605

For other majors or on-site issues:
Sandy Tupper
Program Coordinator, Office of Study Abroad
109 International Center
Phone: (517) 432-4341

You can also visit the following Web sites for more information about Waikato:

• http://www.waikato.ac.nz/international/index.html
• http://www.waikato.ac.nz/international/studyabr.htm

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States.  If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date.  If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of eight to ten weeks is usually required for processing.  During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required.  Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices.  They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the web page.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose.  The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early.   It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.  If you are not a U.S. citizen, consult the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their document requirements.

New Zealand requires a student visa.  Students can obtain their visa by applying directly to the New Zealand consulate with instructions provided by the Office of Study Abroad.  During the first pre-departure orientation, students will be informed of all requirements needed to obtain this visa. 

For more information about visas visit the web page.

If you will be staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the consulate(s) of your host country(ies) for advice on visas.

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

For further health information and recommendations visit the "Health Issues" section of the Student Handbook.

How much does it cost?

The program fee for Spring 2010 is $8,486 and includes the following:

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

These additional costs are estimated at $8,530 (SS '10).  Students may request a cost sheet which lists both the program fee and an estimate of additional expenses by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee. 

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid. 

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing.  This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

If you are a non-MSU student, please request financial aid from your home university.  If your university is unable to award you financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad to apply for loans only and you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.

For further information about financial aid, visit the Web page.

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA Scholarships.   Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need.  Requirements are listed in the scholarship application.  The deadlines to apply for these scholarships are March 1st for fall semester programs and October 15th for spring semester programs.  

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit the web page.

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form.

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by October 1st for spring semester programs and by March 1st for fall programs.  We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to these deadlines. 

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year.  Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required.  Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program.  Students who have accepted admission may also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter.