The Political Science Program at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, with the assistance of the University’s Division of International Studies & Programs, is pleased to introduce its Pacific Studies Program - a pioneering collaborative initiative between A&M-Kingsville and the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.

The Pacific Studies Program (PSP) is being co-directed by Dr. Nirmal Goswami, Professor of Political Science, A&M-Kingsville and Dr. Elaine Webster, Director, Summer School and Continuing Education, University of Otago. The PSP will include graduate and undergraduate students traveling to and staying in New Zealand from July 5th, 2012, through July 22nd, 2012, attending classes at the University of Otago, and visiting multiple sites through field trips in the greater Otago region. Areas of focus include history, politics, economics, culture, sustainability and environmental policies, etc., with reference to both the greater Pacific region and New Zealand.

Dr. Christine Reiser-Robbins, Anthropology Program, Texas A&M-Kingsville, is directing a Service Learning Project, a special component of the PSP. The PSP will facilitate interaction between middle and high school students from Bishop School District, Texas, and Logan Park High School, Dunedin, Otago, through the application of Internet-enabled technologies.

You are all invited to cyber travel with us as we learn about the uniqueness of New Zealand and the surrounding region. This blog will document our experience. You are welcome to post comments.


Saturday, July 14, 2012

Penguins, Seals, Albatross Oh My!



Saturday, July 14th, 2012

I took a private tour of the city and the surrounding peninsula with stops at the Royal Albatross Colony, a boat ride into the harbor and ocean, and then to see the Yellow Eyed Penguins. It was not supposed to be a private tour but I was the only one on it so I got lots of side tours that were not officially on the trip. I was able to see so many species of wildlife including fur seal and many endangered animals. The penguin colony was my favorite. In the 1980s a local farmer realized what he had on the beach on his farm and created a private conservation project. The Yellow Eyed Penguin is anti-social so the park has underground tunnels with viewing areas, so running around underground trying to figure out which nest the penguin is going too is really fun. I have been amazed at how generous and kind New Zealanders are and how gracefully they share their country with visitors.

-Katharine K.
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1 comment:

  1. UnknownJuly 16, 2012 at 12:30 AM

    I'm so happy you got the VIP treatment and you were adventurous to go alone :-)

    ReplyDelete

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