Please read the questions below for helpful information on how the Pacific Program works. These answers should provide clarity on what to expect, but if you have further questions, don't hesitate to reach out to the Pacific team at pacific@oie.gatech.edu.

· Q: Will we have any free time? How much?

In New Zealand, you will spend Monday through Thursday in class. On Fridays there are generally no classes, so you get to spend most of the three-day weekends as you would like. The schedule is more variable in Australia but there will still be many free days and weekends. Additionally, the program ends in March, so you finish courses almost an entire month before your classmates on GT’s Atlanta campus. Use this time to explore further or to relax before starting summer classes or co-op.

· Q: How much hiking/walking is involved on this trip?

The Pacific Program emphasizes the natural environment. So there will be exploration that will involve hikes in various locations in Australia and New Zealand. Students will also visit different cultural and natural sites as part of their coursework. From coral reefs to rainforests, the Pacific Program offers a different type of classroom. Outside of class, you will have the chance to explore cities, beaches, and have plenty of opportunities to connect with nature so make sure to take advantage of that as well!

· Q: What do the academics look like?

You will be taking 12-15 credits on this program. Our courses can be quite rigorous and challenging, but you learn a lot! You’ll have essays, quizzes, group activities, research projects, exams, and other homework assignments. Keep in mind that instead of having hundreds of people in your class like in Atlanta, you get to take advantage of the small class sizes offered on the Pacific Program which allows closer interaction with your professors and classmates. Some classes will involve exploration of natural habitats or cultural differences Down Under.

· Q: What are the accommodations like?

In New Zealand, you’ll be staying in university dormitory space and have your own room. In Australia, you’ll be in hotel space and share a room with 2-3 roommates. Students tend to really enjoy the accommodations.

· Q: Is there a packing list for the program? What should I bring?

There will be a packing list provided to you. You are only permitted ONE checked luggage and one daypack. This is to help reserve space on our ground transportation like coach busses, taxis, boats, etc. You will have access to laundry throughout most of the program, although in most cases you will need to pay for it.

· Q: Is there access to laundry services during the program?

You will have access to laundry throughout most of the program, although in most cases you will need to pay for it with the countries currency. It is mainly coins in Australia and New Zealand.

· Q: How much does this program cost?

An estimated cost breakdown is provided as part of the application process online at https://pacific.gatech.edu/details2 . Arrival and return flights must be paid individually (not included in the program fee), but airfare from country to country abroad is part of the program fee. Tuition, fees, and the remainder of the program fee will be charged to your GT student account after registration.

· Q: Where can I get food? Do you go out to eat? Cook at the dorm?

Food will be provided in some locations. For example, meals are provided in New Zealand on class days and in a few locations in Australia. You will need to buy your own food on weekends in New Zealand and in most locations in Australia. You will have access to high quality kitchens to prepare meals when needed.

· Q: How long does the program spend in each location?

The program typically lasts 12 weeks with the first half spent in New Zealand and the second half in Australia. The exact itinerary for this year’s program has yet to be finalized. However, it is likely that the program will be in Dunedin, New Zealand for the first six weeks. Students will then travel to several locations in Australia which may include Townsville, Magnetic Island, Cairns, Port Douglas, the Daintree Rainforest, and Sydney. The exact itinerary will be updated as soon as the information becomes available.

· Q: How many people typically go on this study abroad program?

The numbers vary year-to-year, but in general we are a group of about 50 students. The program will be capped at 60 students. From weekend adventures to late night study sessions, your fellow Pacific Programmers will always be around!

Contact Us

If you have any questions about the information presented here or any other aspect of the program, please do not hesitate to contact us via email or set up a meeting with one of our advisors.

Michael Goodisman, Program Director Email: mg225@gatech.edu Brielle Martelli, Education Abroad Advisor Email: brielle.martelli@oie.gatech.edu Follow the Pacific Program on Instagram at pacificprogram