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Application Deadline & Fee

February 1, 2026; $75*
*The $75 application fee is non-refundable

Program Travel Dates

July 16 - 30,  2026

Program Details

This study abroad experience offers pre-service teachers the opportunity to examine educational practices in Tongan and New Zealand school systems. Through immersive classroom observations and cultural experiences, participants will develop intercultural competencies essential for culturally responsive teaching. Direct exposure to Māori education models, traditional Tongan teaching methods, and Pacific educational innovations will equip future teachers with inclusive strategies and cross-cultural communication skills. This international experience broadens participants' educational worldview and develops the global mindset necessary for effective teaching in diverse classrooms and leadership in multicultural education.

 

Participating students will earn two credits during this education abroad experience. The intended outcomes to fulfill the credits are to:

  • Identify the overarching values, systems, and policies in the Tongan and New Zealand education systems.
  • Observe instruction and classroom management for K-12 students in Tonga and New Zealand.
  • Participate in cultural learning experiences that include traditional Tongan customs and Māori cultural practices.
  • Compare and contrast the educational systems in Tonga, New Zealand, and the U.S., focusing on indigenous education models and Pacific cultural integration.
  • Reflect on their personal educational philosophy and how cross-cultural educational exposure influences their teaching beliefs and practices.
  • Analyze the history and development of the educational systems in New Zealand and Tonga.
  • Synthesize principles from Tongan and New Zealand education systems to create implementation plans for enhancing their future culturally responsive classrooms.

Anticipated Curriculum

*Students are expected to enroll in the following course for this study abroad:

EDUC 520R - Special Topics in Education (2 credits)

 

NOTE: There may be coursework in the summer semester outside of the dates of travel. 

Course pre-requisites for students accepted into the School of Education Program will be waived. 

Program Requirements*

Must be 18 years of age at the time of departure

Minimum G.P.A.: 2.0 

Students must have a declared major within the School of Education (e.g., Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, SLSS) or be enrolled in a graduate-level program within the School of Education prior to the departure date of May 7, 2025.

Students with Academic Standings registration holds at the time of application received for falling below a 2.0 GPA in the previous semester(s) will not be allowed to study abroad and should not apply. Students who fall below a 2.0 GPA in the Spring semester may be withdrawn from their Summer study abroad program.

Physical Requirements:

Study Abroad typically involves a lot of walking! Make sure that you will be able to walk long distances over uneven surfaces.

Travel during the summer in foreign countries can be uncomfortably hot and humid. Air conditioning is not always available.

Students on study abroad must be able to independently navigate in a foreign country and be able to follow specific instructions. This may include figuring out and using public transportation, making their way through airports, negotiating large crowds, and making smart decisions related to their own safety in unfamiliar circumstances.

*Accessibility services vary from country to country. Contact UVU Accessibility Services if you require such services. Students with significant physical or mental health needs should discuss their suitability for study abroad travel with their medical professional, UVU Student Health Services, UVU Accessibility Services, and/or family before making the decision to apply.

Estimated Program Fee*

Program fee covers in-country housing and transportation, three group meals, excursions, school visits, and international insurance. The program fee does not include the listed Additional Estimated Costs. 

$2525

*This cost is tentative and based on program plans and the exchange rate at the time it was posted. This cost may or may not be updated due to exchange-rate fluctuations, program revisions , and program date changes. 

*Please review the Office of Education Abroad's Withdrawal Policy before applying. Within 5 days of acceptance into a Study Abroad program, you will be required to pay a $500 non-refundable commitment deposit to confirm your spot.

Additional Estimated Costs

The student is responsible for these additional costs:

  • UVU study abroad tuition* ($410 for 2 credits)
  • International Flight (approx $1500-$2000+)
  • Food ($400 for purchasing meals on own)
  • Discretionary spending (approx $100 - $500 based on personal spending needs)
  • Optional Side Trips/Tours: (approx $175)
  • Passport ($165)
  • NZeTA and international visitor levy (approx $75)

Students over the age of 73 at the time of travel may be required to purchase a supplemental international health and evacuation insurance plan through GeoBlue (approx $200-$500+)

Students should be prepared to pay out-of-pocket for travel disruptions including lost luggage, possible COVID tests or quarantine stays if required by the host country for entry or exit, missed flights, etc.

All students are required to pay a $75 non-refundable application fee.

 

*UVU study abroad tuition is charged as an additional study abroad fee in your student account. It is separate from the study abroad program fee and regular UVU summer tuition. It is not factored into the "equal payment" calculation of the UVU Tuition Table. Study Abroad students are advised to only take study abroad courses during the block of their study abroad program.

Scholarships

There are some scholarship opportunities that are available from UVU and nationally. These scholarships are competitive and have varying application dates. Please click here for more information.

Financial Aid 

Pell Grants and Student Loans may be applied to the program, based on eligibility. Speak to the UVU Study Abroad Advisor (LA 209) and a Financial Aid Advisor for more information (BA 105).

UVU Faculty/Staff Dependent Tuition Waiver benefits may not be used to pay for study abroad tuition or fees.

Program Director

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Travel Report

Students are strongly encouraged to read the U.S. State Department’s country information webpage for the most up-to-date information on travel advisories, entry, exit, and visa requirements, safety, security, health, and other important travel factors.