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The Field Camp Experience
Field Camp is the defining experience for both Frontiers Abroad's programs. Information on the academics for field camp are provided in the program information. Below, we discuss what life is like on both field camps. Both are unique and explore New Zealand - but with different goals in mind!
Geology of NZ Field camp
Field Camp Information
Where do we stay: During field camp, students stay at a variety of field stations, ski lodges and "backpackers" hostels . At all locations, students share a room with 3-5 other students with shared living and bathroom facilities. Locations include:
- University of Canterbury Westport Field Station
- University of Canterbury Cass Field Station in the Southern Alps
- Dusky Lodge (backpackers) in Kaikoura
- Living Springs (outdoor education center) on Banks Peninsula
- Ilam Apartments, University of Canterbury
How many students will be on Field Camp? We typically have between 20 and 25 students on field camp. Students come from similar small liberal arts colleges and a few larger research universities.
What are meals like? Frontiers Abroad provides three meals a day while we are in the field. Meals are basic and typical Kiwi field group meals. If you are a grazer then you are responsible for buying your own snacks in between meals. Kitchen is closed between meals. On travel days and days between modules while on campus you are responsible for your own meals and cooking.
What is a typical day like? A typical field day consists of waking up around 7:00 am, having breakfast at 7:30, preparing your field lunch and then departing for the field. We typically stay in the field until the late afternoon doing field exercises. Yes - it is physically demanding and we cover much terrain. Please be in touch if you have any physical or mental issues. We try to be as accommodating as possible and can plan accordingly if you provide us information. We head back to the field stations in the afternoon for dinner followed by evening exercises. Our field camp models North American field camps.
Do we get free days? Unfortunately there are not many free days during field camp. We either have field days, office days (working on assignments or maps), or travel days. Moving from one place to another. We try to give you one or two days off during field camp - but this is subject to how you are working.
Yes - field camp is challenging, both mentally and physically. When you finish you will have a great sense of accomplishment and feel like a geologist!
New Zealand Earth SYstems Field Camp
Field Camp Information
Where do we stay: During field camp, students stat at a variety of field stations, ski lodges and "backpackers". At all locations, students share a room with 3-5 other students (location dependent) with shared living and bathroom facilities. At Dan's (instructor's) family Marae all students sleep in the Whare.
Locations include:
- Forest and Bird Field Station - Mt Ruapehu
- Tokikapu Marae - Waitomo
- Cass Field Station in the Southern Alps
- Glentanner Backpackers
- Living Springs Camp in Banks Peninsula
These locations are awesome!
How many students will be on Field Camp? We typically have between 20 and 25 students on field camp. Students come from similar small liberal arts colleges and a few larger research universities.
What are meals like: While in the field Frontiers Abroad provides three meals a day. Meals are basic and typical Kiwi field group meals. If you are a grazer then you are responsible for buying your own snacks in between meals. Kitchen is closed between meals. Travel days and days between modules while on campus or during free days you are responsible for your own meals and cooking.
What is a typical day like: A typical field day consists of waking up around 7:00 am, having breakfast at 7:30, preparing your field lunch and then departing for the field. We typically stay in the field until the mid to late afternoon doing field exercises, meeting with local stakeholders and taking hikes. We head back to the field stations in the afternoon for dinner followed by evening discussions where we discuss a variety of New Zealand themes.
Do we get free days: We try to schedule several free days during the ES program. These are not set in stone and sometimes depends upon weather and waves! However, embedded in the program are amazing optional opportunities - Tongariro Crossing, Waitomo Caves, Arthur's Pass hikes, Tasman Glacier Boat Tour, etc.
