Location
  • New Zealand
    • Wellington
Term
Fall, Spring, Summer
Subject Areas
Education Environmental Studies Health Sciences Human Rights Service Learning
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Jun 20, 2024
Sep 17, 2024
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About Program

We strive to provide diverse, affordable, meaningful, and ethical global service-learning opportunities. Through professional and personalized support, our goal is for each participant to meet our learning objectives of personal growth, intercultural competency, academic application, and civic engagement.

While service-learning in The Pacific, learn about Maori culture during traditional ceremonies and meals, journey through Hobbiton and Rotorua’s unique geothermal landscape (Fall), or experience Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound (Spring) which some call the eighth wonder of the world.

We are dedicated to developing ethical and sustainable service-learning programs with the intention of forming mutually beneficial relationships while making a positive impact on the communities we serve. In bringing unique people and cultures together, we aim to promote an understanding of global issues.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

Our team is committed to providing exceptional support through identity-focused advising and resources for students, university partners, and staff. We have developed our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee to help serve all students and stakeholders, particularly the needs of underrepresented student populations. Our country-specific diversity pages offer information about the societies and cultural history of our destinations. This information can be used to start your reflection about how your intersecting identities relate to the host community context.
ISA by WorldStrides is devoted to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of neurodivergence. Our Health & Safety team is available to answer questions about insurance and medication, as well as provide students with materials on overseas access to support.
We are dedicated to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of accessibility. With our wide portfolio of program types and locations we’re confident there is a suitable and accessible program for each student. Accommodations abroad can be complex and take time, so those with accessibility needs should inform ISA of any accommodations requests as early as possible in the advising process. Please contact accessibilityteam@studiesabroad.com with questions or for more information.

Impact

We have partnered with Fill it Forward to engage team members and program participants in waste reduction practices. The goal is to encourage the elimination of single-use waste. Every QR code scan shows the impact of reusable bottles and unlocks a donation to environmental impact groups.
ISA by WorldStrides, a global organization, is committed to educate and serve communities worldwide. Our commitment is fueled by the passion of our team members and partners to make experiential learning accessible, while also being socially, environmentally, and ethically responsible. Together, we accomplish this by investing in initiatives to promote inclusion, diversity, and sustainability.

Program Highlights

  • Wellington is the art and cultural capital of New Zealand.
  • 30% of New Zealand is a natural reserve, with untouched landscapes, stunning national parks, and incredible hiking trails.
  • Situated at the southern end of the North Island, Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and home to numerous NGOs and grassroots organizations.
  • Learn about New Zealand’s rich history and culture by engaging with the local Welly community.
  • Orientation Excursion in Auckland and Rotorua (Fall) or Queenstown (Spring)

Popular Programs

Wellington, New Zealand

With warm, peaceful islands in the north to majestic, rugged mountains in the south and any number of variations in between, New Zealand is truly a diverse country. Situated at the southern end of the North Island on the shores of Cook Strait, Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and home to numerous NGOs and grassroots organizations. ISA Service-Learning offers unique and niche opportunities in Wellington within the health, human rights, community development.

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 2 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 4.5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Default avatar
Dallas
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Supported & Professional Experience

As a graduate student of social work and pastoral ministry with interests in community development, I researched a number of internship placements in a number of international settings. I soon found ISA/TEAN's wide array of opportunities. After some initial applications, their admission staff connected me with their Service-Learning program which allowed me to specialize in nonprofit work. What particularly struck me about ISA's programs in general was the amount of logistical support they lent me leading up to, during, and after my internship program. ISA/TEAN has a friendly, caring staff across the globe ready to support students. Through organized conversations, Zoom meetings, and micro-credential courses, ISA/TEAN gave me ample opportunities to reflect on my experience abroad—allowing me to approach my experience intentionally and informatively.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
New Zealand had a plethora of exciting dishes, though the most unique has to be the mussel fritter. I bought my fritter from a local food truck near the waterfront in downtown Wellington. It involved finely chopping aa fresh mussel and cooking it on a griddle with chives, a pancake-like batter, and seasoning. It was served with garlic aioli on white bread. While certainly unlike anything I had eaten before, it was delicious. I highly recommend New Zealand's mussel fritters!
Pros
  • Ample opportunities for professional development
  • Cultural excursions provided
  • Accommodations provided
Cons
  • Cost of airfare not covered
18 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alayna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Otago University

In the Spring of 2024 I spent my time in Dunedin, New Zealand and attended Otago University. It was such a great experience and I am very blessed to have been given the opportunity. When I was out there I grew heavily in my faith and met up with the most wonderful church, Arise. There, I grew as part of a community with them and even more importantly, as an individual. It was so amazing to be able to see all nature in one day, from the mountains, to the hills, to the glaciers and beaches, the Lord of the Rings country and many more. Otago University was based on 80% international students and so, while in Uniflats, (the apartment/flat complex there), I dormed with those in Denmark, Canada, and New Zealand, as well as blessed to meet those from Italy, Norway, France, Germany, and more. There is no other experience like it and everyone's is different, so go and write your own tale.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I did this study abroad program all over again, I would hike more and learn how to camp. I hadn't been camping in over a decade and so I was worried that I couldn't, but I wish I reached out and met up with others to travel more. Overall, I can't complain about my experience but I will definitely be returning to New Zealand in the very near future to do my own traveling.
Pros
  • You get to learn about more cultures from all over the world.
  • Traveling within and near New Zealand is very easy.
  • It is the most beautiful place you could ever experience.
Cons
  • You can experience all 4 seasons in one day (which some might view as a con).
  • New Zealand is filled with creations for those who wish to travel, someone who doesn't like nature may not appreciate its beauty.
  • Homesickness will come and you'll have your ups and downs, but you must rely on others to help you find a home again.
20 people found this review helpful.

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