Studying abroad is your ticket to the world.
Along with the programs available through the UNH Global Education Center, COLSA administers its own study abroad programs. Immerse yourself in the Italian food system from the medieval city of Ascoli Piceno, explore the African wildlife and livestock management of Namibia over spring break, or take advantage of two study abroad experiences in New Zealand, one focused on timely and relevant ecological field studies, the other on sustainable agriculture — all while being exposed to new cultures and ideas and meeting new and interesting people.
Now is your chance to join the roughly 700 UNH students who study abroad every year and have an enriching and life-changing adventure.
Italy
Semester & Summer Programs
In partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition & Food Systems, the UNH-in-Italy Program offers students the opportunity to experience living abroad in the medieval city of Ascoli Piceno for either a four-course, 13-week semester or a two-course, 5-week summer session.
The curriculum focuses on the links between food culture, sustainably-focused agriculture, and the policies and issues impacting the food system. Experiential activities, field trips, and group excursions encourage students to immerse themselves in the unique educational opportunity. Students live in apartments in the historic center of the city and take UNH courses taught in English. The program is open to all UNH students and fulfills the International Experience requirement of the EcoGastronomy Dual major.
For more information, please email Jesse Stabile Morrell or call at (603) 862-2547.
Namibia
ANSC 690 Livestock and Wildlife Management in Namibia
This writing intensive Discovery World Cultures course combines weekly lectures in Durham, with an embedded faculty-led study abroad component in Namibia over spring break. Students explore the economic, geographic, scientific, cultural and practical aspects of livestock and wildlife management in Namibia.
Namibia is Sub-Saharan Africa’s most arid country, with the lowest population density, and an agricultural economy focused largely on pastoralism and grazing livestock. Students will learn about the beef cattle, sheep, and meat goat industries, as well as farmers who successfully combine wildlife and livestock management in unique management systems.
Furthermore, Namibia has for the last few decades been a leader in successful conservation efforts in southern Africa. Elephants, black rhinos, lions, cheetahs, and other animals of regional concern have been successfully protected in Namibia through a variety of efforts. The value of the wildlife sector to the national GDP in Namibia has recently surpassed the value of livestock. Understanding community conservation, commercial and communal conservancies, as well as the role of national parks and private land in managing wildlife and livestock will be discussed on campus and experienced first-hand in the study abroad component.
For more information, please email Drew Conroy or call at (603) 862-2625.
New Zealand: Ecology in Action
EcoQuest New Zealand Study Abroad Program
Semester and Summer Programs
In partnership with the EcoQuest Education Foundation, the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment offers an intensive program of applied field studies with a dual focus on education and research. Students engage in a hands-on, multidisciplinary, research-oriented program while contributing to New Zealand’s restoration ecology and sustainable resource management initiatives.
EcoQuest has long-term commitments to ecological monitoring of endemic species and ecosystems, as well as projects that advance sustainable management of natural resources and habitats. Four fully integrated courses (NR 660, 661, 662, and 663 for 16 credit hours) focus on the ecological, resource management and conservation and sustainability issues that impact the economy and culture of New Zealand. Semester participants have the opportunity to carry out team-oriented, directed research projects while working closely with a faculty mentor and in association with New Zealand research partners and local communities. Alternatively, students may participate in the two-course (NR 660/662 for 8 credit hours) 5-week summer session.
For more information, email Donna Dowal, Director of EcoQuest Admission, or call (603) 862-2036.
New Zealand: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Aotearoa (SAFSA)
EcoQuest New Zealand SAFSA Program
In partnership with the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, the EcoQuest Education Foundation offers a fall and spring semester program in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Aotearoa. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of global trends in agricultural sustainability and the challenges and manifestations of these trends in Aotearoa New Zealand. Students engage with various agribusinesses in New Zealand and consider agriculture in an ecosystems framework, aligning land use with land use capability, while examining the political, economic and cultural context.
New Zealand is a world leader in primary production -the agricultural sector (including pastoral farming, horticulture, fishing, forestry) is the backbone of the economy. Agroecology, sustainable land use, and systems thinking underpin the pathways to resilient food systems. New Zealand has a strong focus on forward-thinking to meet the increased pressures on its natural capital. The Maori agribusiness sector is distinctive and offers unique opportunities for collaborative models. The integration of people, communities, and values with primary production systems can ultimately result in vibrant and multi-cultural approaches to food systems.
Four fully integrated courses (SAFS 670, SAFS671, SAFS672, SAFS673 for 16 credit hours) focus on land use capability and sustainability, agroecology and sustainable land management, and pathways to sustainable agriculture and food systems. Each semester, students will spend time in farm or agricultural placements. These practical, hands-on experiences will allow students to gain transferable skills and develop a comprehensive understanding of sustainability initiatives and practices in food systems. Program participants will gain life and professional skills to engage with sustainable food systems as pro-active, solution-focused practitioners.
For more information, email Donna Dowal, Director of EcoQuest Admission, or call (603) 862-2036.
Still looking?
The UNH Global Education Center has information on more than 500 programs in 39 countries. Their staff is ready to connect you with your ideal study abroad destination.
