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100% Pure New Zealand + optional voluntary service

Institute of Global Engagement New Zealand
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Institute of Global Engagement New Zealand
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Video and Photos
The famous bungy over Queenstown
Traditional New Zealand Maori welcome
Maori haka
Snowboarding in New Zealand

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About

If you cannot dedicate a full semester to study abroad join our 100% Pure New Zealand study tours that takes you on an unforgettable education and experiential journey through the South Island of New Zealand.

Open entry 14 day tour for students starting summer + optional voluntary service. Includes tuition, field studies, adventure, environmental studies, conservation in marine and wildlife, outdoor activities, cultural experiences ... credits available in conjunction with home institution.

This is a flagship program that reflects the best of New Zealand during its magical winter period, starting 11 June 2018 in Christchurch. Led by real New Zealanders who are passionate about their country.

Highlights
  • authentic cultural experiences
  • environmental conservation including marine and wildlife
  • beauty of the South Island
  • Queenstown, the home of bungy and adventure capital of the world
  • located in the youngest country on earth

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Questions & Answers

Reviews

100%
based on 3 reviews
Leave a Review
  • Academics 9
  • Support 10
  • Fun 10
  • Housing 9
  • Safety 10
Showing 1 - 3 of 3
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Fabricio
Age:
28
Male
Berlin
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Brasilia without Borders program

Aug 28, 2016

Participated in a custom tailored program for higher education Brazilian students. The whole experience was amazing, with everyday including inspiring talks from successful leaders and experts from various fields, as well as dynamic activities with local students. I left with an accurate picture of how leadership made New Zealand the well-faring country it is.

The organizers made a great work with a tidy plan for each day, at the same time caring if the group suggested some changes and quickly reacting if something went unexpected, like bad weather for an outside day. Besides the talks, big highlights were the Maori Marae experience, sailing day and Waikato's adventure camp.

Default avatar
Ana
Female
Brasília, Brazil
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

A mind-blowing adventure

Jul 20, 2015

New Zealand is still pretty exotic for Brazilians and spending a month in the country wasn´t enough to change that impression. A real melting pot of cultures, New Zealand was the perfect country to take a course on global leadership, since they are avant-garde in many of the global trends, like sustainability, economic development and culture preservation. Jan´s organisation skills never failed to impress me, as we didn´t have a single mishap during the whole trip. The course approached all kinds of topics and gave a comprehensive overview of a global leader´s main skills.

What would you improve about this program?
The Business English classes could have been a little bit more challenging =)
Default avatar
Jaime
Male
Brasilia, Brasil
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Overall Rating 10/ 10 View detailed rating Participated in a customized program for Global Leadership

Jul 20, 2015

The whole experience was amazing. From great lectures to incredible cultural experiences!
Between my favorites are the Maori camp and the trip to Wellington where we spoke with a congressman and visited a great museum.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Jan Fitz-Gerald

Program
100% Pure New Zealand + optional voluntary service
Job Title
Founder and Chief Executive
Jan Fitz-Gerald is the Founder and Chief Executive of the Institute. Jan started hosting study tours when at Queenstown Resort College and really enjoyed the experience – the first group was from Elon University, North Carolina. After a short break she has returned to the world of designing and hosting study groups from many countries including government officials, university professors and leaders.
Jan spent many years as a senior executive at AUT University including Director of the International Student Program and then went on to establish Queenstown Resort College, an exclusive tourism and hospitality management college – she then returned to Auckland and established the Institute to continue with her passion in working with international study groups.
A group of students gathered

What is your favorite travel memory?

My most amazing traveling experience was when I Russia and particularly Siberia – just before winter set in. I loved the food and the people; it was such a culturally enriching experience, with a deep sense of history.

I have travelled to many places throughout the world but guess what ... the majestic mountains, lakes and scenery in the South Island of New Zealand still takes my breath away and it’s the place of my birth.

What position do you hold at Institute of Global Engagement? What has been your career path so far?

I am Chief Executive (President) but I am very hands on as I design most of the study tour programs – that’s what I love doing.

My career path is way too long to describe other than to say I am having the most fabulous and rewarding career and I now bring the wisdom and experience to the table as we mentor and encourage new young staff to make it happen.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

Here are a couple from last year. They are all very special to us.

“You made me think about how I make a real difference in my own country, and how can I do things there with a global mind set. Thank you for making this one of the best times of my life. Thank you”

“Incredible experience. I do hope more Brazilians, especially from Brasilia can come and have all this extraordinary cultural experience.”

“Coming here was one of the best things that has happened to me. It is definitely a turning point in my life. I will go back to Brazil with an open heart full of Mana (Mana=respect)."

What does the future hold for Institute of Global Engagement - any exciting new programs to share?

Our 2016 of study tours has just been launched so we hope everyone likes them. We like all of them and think they are very exciting, challenging and transformational – imagine being on a study tour at the bottom of the world.

What unique qualities does your company possess?

We reflect the three key core values of being a New Zealander (Kiwi). These shape who we are as people and reflect the way we act. These are:

1. KAITIAKI: Care of people and place

The land and sea have shaped us. We're proud of our role as guardians of this place and its people - not just for now, but for future generations. We welcome everyone as friends.

2. INTEGRITY: Trust, honesty, humility and reciprocal respect

We pride ourselves on our integrity and for being safe, stable, open, and accessible. We have a reputation as 'down to earth' and 'good to work with'.

3. RESOURCEFULNESS: Our fresh, outward-looking way of thinking

Our determination and our independence of thought allows us to be creative, innovative and often ingenious.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Leadership and culture.

The culture of a company flows from the leadership and when those elements are in harmony and we have great inspirational leaders leading the team – the success just flows and is celebrated.

What changes would you make to the study abroad industry?

None, its fabulous particularly for those who want the short quality education and experiential program when they are unable to stay away for a semester.

I just wish I had the same opportunities when I was a student.

What does your home-country's culture​ value that is taught in your program?

This is about our commitment to our indigenous people – the Māori. All study tours reflect our commitment and respect of our first people and this experience has usually been the highlight of each tour.

The official welcome is the traditional Powhiri held at the AUT University Marae (Maori meeting house) and some programs include an immersion weekend of Maori custom and culture.

All programs commence with a presentation about New Zealand history, custom, people, and culture.

About Institute of Global Engagement New Zealand

We are New Zealand's only educational study tour institution delivering unforgettable short term study group tours and internship programs during vacation breaks to university, college and high school students. These cover New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Rarotonga. Faculty led and customised study programs are also our specialty. Our head office...