University of Waikato

Unique study opportunities

• Spend your time in an organization applying your knowledge to solve a real-world problem or contributing to a live project by doing a for credit internship.
• Immerse yourself in Maori culture by learning the language in the spring course, Maori: Introductory 1.
• Gain a sociological understandings of sport and movement cultures by taking the fall course, Sport, Culture and Development: Trends and Issues.
• Explore popular overarching myths and narratives of Aotearoa NZ history, key events and peoples in the spring course, Aotearoa Histories: Past and Future.
• Learn about social and cultural change in Aotearoa-New Zealand and the Pacific Islands by taking the fall course, Exploring Cultures: Aotearoa and the Pacific. 

Language

Language Study: Optional

Additional foreign language study is available. Check the university course catalog.

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

• Take a full-time course of study:
• Minimum of 21 quarter/14 semester UC units each semester
• Maximum of 24 quarter/16 semester UC units each semester
  • A 10 point Waikato course= 4 quarter/2.7 semester UC units
  • A 15 point Waikato course= 6 quarter/4 semester UC units
  • A 20 point Waikato course- 8 quarter/5.3 semester UC units
  • Therefore, UCEAP students will take between 3-6 courses to meet these requirements
• You may take one course per semester for pass/no pass credit

Course Numbers and Division

Courses that begin with a 1 will earn lower division UC credit. Courses that begin with a 2 or 3 will earn upper division UC credit. 

RESTRICTIONS

UCEAP does not allow students to take courses that begin with a 4 or higher at Waikato. 

INTERNSHIPS

Waikato offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the New Zealand business culture and shape your future career by offering the study + intern course. Not only does Waikato find the internship placement, but students also earn UC credit for it. 

Internship placements include opportunities in a variety of organizations, including non-profit, corporate, and government sectors. Through hands-on experience, you will increase your knowledge while enhancing your business acumen and developing invaluable industry connections.

Catalogs and resources

• University of Waikato Course Catalog: Browse undergraduate course offerings.
  • Trimester A is the spring term; Trimester B is the fall term.
  • Courses at Waikato are called 'papers'.
• UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of some courses students have taken on this program. This is not a current representation of course offerings on this program. Reference the above links to review recent course offerings.
• Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location. If the course you want to take is not listed here, that does not mean you can't earn major, minor, general education or elective credit for it, as the database is not fully updated and does not list all courses, even if a UCEAP student has taken it before and has earned major credit for it. Let this database help you if it's able to, but don't let it detour you. It's ultimately up to your major advisor to determine the type of UC credit you'll earn for your classes abroad. 

Academic Culture

To help you acclimate to New Zealand campus life and culture, there are a few key differences and similarities with UC to be aware of:

• The New Zealand semester is longer and has a slower pace than the UC semester or quarter.
• Students address local lecturers and tutors informally by their first name.
• Similar to UC, the main forms of teaching are lectures (50-500+ students), tutorials (10-25 students), seminars (30+ students; half lecture, half tutorial), and labs/practicals.
• All lectures are recorded—beware of waiting until the last minute to watch them. In New Zealand, students are expected to be independent and show initiative. Instructors won't chase you up if you miss classes or assignments.
• Assignments tend to require heavy research and critical analysis.
• You’ll need to use New Zealand English for assignments.

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. New Zealand university grades are criterion-referenced rather than norm-referenced (curved). This means that your performance on an assignment will be prepared to a predefined standard, not to the performance of your classmates. Your lecturer will advise you of this standard via grading rubric.

Grades for the fall semester are typically available in December. Grades for the spring semester are typically available in August. Requests for early grades cannot be accommodated.