AUIP - American Universities International Programs

Throughout my travels and study abroad experiences, I can confirm that this was truly the most eye-opening experience I have ever had. The education and research skills acquired through this program are invaluable and one of a kind. And when it came to wildlife, you will truly have some of the best sightings in your life. My group was bless enough to see leopard seals, Emperor and Adelie penguins, and even humpback whales bubble netting! Everything I learned from this trip, from travel skills to group communication to even research structure has all been applied and reapplied to my degree. If you want a once-in-a-lifetime experience with learning skills you will constantly apply, look no further than this program.

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My study abroad experience through the Antarctica Perspectives Winter Field Trip profoundly deepened my understanding of sustainable leadership and its real-world applications. Witnessing the delicate balance between environmental stewardship and economic goals in one of Earth’s most pristine regions reinforced the importance of long-term thinking and collaboration in addressing global challenges. The program transformed my perspective on sustainability, showing me the vital role of regulations and ethical decision-making in preserving fragile ecosystems. It also strengthened my leadership skills, teaching me to take initiative and contribute effectively, even in unfamiliar contexts. This journey has inspired me to integrate these lessons into my academic and professional pursuits, particularly in international business and foreign policy, while cultivating a lifelong passion for exploration and sustainable development.

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My study abroad experience in Antarctica was truly unforgettable, a journey that rejuvenated my soul. Words fail to capture the essence of this extraordinary adventure—otherworldly, incredibly beautiful, and utterly breathtaking.

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Taking a part of the Hokies Abroad trip to Antarctica was one of the most unique and exciting experiences I've had the opportunity to be a part of. As an undergraduate student currently studying the conservation sciences, I have had the opportunity to study and work with multiple environments, but Antarctica was like no other. The landscape, animals, climate, and overall environment was so different from anywhere else I have been, and overall contributed to a unique place of study and an amazing abroad experience.

I will never forget my experience traveling and studying abroad with AUIP to study humans and their environment in New Zealand! I had the time of my life and made the best memories and friends that I could ever ask for! The country was one that I had not heard much about but really wanted to go to, and it beyond exceeded any expectations. I recommend the country and the program to everyone I can! If you want to make memories of a lifetime and experience hands-on learning, you'll want to sign up!

I did this program as a third party student, and I was so relieved at how inclusive everyone was. Faculty, students, the guides on the trip, everyone. I learned so much, and getting to go somewhere so amazing and untouched was just absolutely incredible. It felt like a dream everyday. Not only did I have an amazing experience while there, but I truly believe I made some lifelong friends. Almost a year later, and we still have active group chats!

I absolutely loved my Study Abroad experience! My only complaint is that I couldn't stay longer! My favorite part was how well integrated the coursework was with the experience - it seemed more like the class supported the experience, rather than the experience supporting the class.

I went on the AUIP New Zealand trip from May 13-25, 2018, and I absolutely loved it. It was a totally new experience for me since I had never been out of the USA before, and this allowed me to explore the world a lot more. The program offered so many experiences and opportunities I would not have had access to otherwise, and the guides given to us were mostly good. I definitely recommend attending one of the programs to other people because AUIP definitely knew what they were doing and executed it perfectly. There was also plenty of free time for us to explore the country more and do so many other things. One thing we did that AUIP recommended was climb an extinct volcano in the middle of Auckland, pictured below, and it was absolutely breath-taking. AUIP certainly delivered with their program, and I could go on for ages about it, but I don't want to take up multiple pages since that's a lot for people to read. This was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I don't regret it at all.

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My dream since I was a little kid was to go to Antarctica and this study abroad fulfilled that and so much more. Not only was I able to study icebergs in their most abundant habitat, but I was also able to make friends with people I would have never encountered in my life otherwise. The academics were enticing and informative and the extra activities and adventures are life experiences I will treasure forever. This was truly the best experience of my life so far.

AUIPs program provided a variety of interesting activities which developed my knowledge of global ecology while also showing the natural beauties of Australia. All the guest speakers were friendly and insightful. There were a few times when topics and experiences overlapped resulting in repetitive lectures. Other than that, it was a great experience.

I had so much fun on this trip while learning a ton about sustainability and conservation in Australia and New Zealand. Then views are breathtaking and the people are great. Some of the highlights of my trip were I got to meet a bunch of cool animals and go snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef!

I absolutely loved this program and would do it again in a heartbeat! The only thing I would change would be to make it longer so I could spend more time doing awesome things in such an amazing country! My peers and I were able to see so many beautiful parts of North Queensland including the Great Barrier Reef, Brisbane and Paluma Range National Park, all while learning about my passion - sustainability and the environment. I never felt like the learning experiences were boring because they were so interactive and relevant to my area of interest. And getting credit for classes while being there felt unreal because we were having so much fun and not stuck in a classroom all day. AUIP did an awesome job setting everything up and coordinating with local professionals and businesses to give us good connections during the trip. I have no complaints!

I felt this trip was extremely overpriced for us just sitting in Sydney for 10 days. In New Zealand, we actually did things and saw sea lions and penguins and a lot of beautiful landscapes. But in Australia, we just sat in Sydney for a week and a half and really didn’t do much. I would have liked to explore Australia more especially for the amount of money we all spent on this trip. Everything was extremely expensive in Sydney and it wasn’t much different from America, so I felt like I wasn’t learning anything new or experiencing a different culture. I wish we would have traveled outside of the city to see the natural landscape and animals of Australia because I can see a big city anytime I want in America, they are all over the place. I went to Australia to gain a different experience but did not gain that at all. I really would not recommend this trip to anyone.

The environmental sustainability program in Australia changed my life. I know a lot of people probably say that about traveling abroad, but I really mean it with this program. I now have a clear direction of what I want to pursue as my career, I learned a million ways to be more eco-friendly, and I met incredible people all over the span of a month. I recommend everyone go on a trip like this for whatever their interests may be. Even if you have hesitations, an experience like this will change you for the better and you shouldn't let fear hold you back from exploring the world. The only downside is that now I wish all my classes at the university were like this program instead of being held in a classroom. You won't have any regrets with this program!

Throughout the Fiji Study Abroad trip, there was not one moment when I didn't learn something new everyday. It was kinda insane to reflect back on it now. I missed the Fijian people and my peers. I learned so much from tourism to sustainable resources usage. I truly believe studying abroad is the best thing a student can ever participate in when they are in college.

I'll start by telling you I am the faculty overseer of the University of Florida version of this adventure opportunity. I have participated in the New Zealand trip 4 times, to date. It is an intensive learning experience about New Zealand (where the outdoor scenes of the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed) native Maori culture, farming and wildlife aspects, geological (continental plates, Southern Alps, fiords, geothermal & volcanic features, coastal cliffs and beaches), contemporary issues, a stay with a pacifist social community, a Milford Sound boat cruise, learn about Antarctica, earthquake recovery in the Christchurch area, visit and hikes through national parks and forests, and a visit to an ecological focused winery. Weather and wildlife cooperating, there is an opportunity to swim with dolphins, see penguins in their native habitat and other native (some flightless) birds, such as kiwi and takahe, kea and kaka. There is a hike up a glacier valley approaching Aoraki/Mt. Cook. We stay in a variety of accommodations at night (we sleep in a bed inside each night, not outdoors), hotels, dorms, youth hostels, and one night at a Maori group traditional one room sleep over. We also visit Queenstown (google it), the adventure recreation capital of New Zealand, and you have a free day there. A local guide accompanies us throughout the trip and local speakers are used, as we travel every 2-4 days to a new location. We travel across a fair amount of the south island and some of the north island, including a visit to Auckland and Hobbiton, the site where Frodo, Bilbo and Samwise's hometown was filmed in the Lord of the Rings movies. College credit (undergraduate and graduate) can be earned on this 3.5 week ecotourism/adventure/learning experience which occurs each ~last two weeks of May and first ten days of June (which is late Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere). The weather is cool and sometimes cold, at night. An unforgettable adventure experience.

You will never feel more insignificant than when traveling to Antarctica. Having the opportunity to study and experience the exquisite environment was something I will value and reflect upon for the rest of my life. The procedures leading up to and during my trip were very organized and I felt secure the whole time. I cannot say enough how grateful I am for having this opportunity. The decision to go on this trip is one of the best things I have ever done.

I had such an amazing time studying abroad in Australia. I felt so fortunate with the opportunities our group was getting that I felt like I wouldn't have enjoyed my time as much if I planned a trip to Australia myself. Being able to snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef and see such a wide range of wildlife not found anywhere else on the planet will be memories I will never forget.

I never would have thought that an Abroad program child change my perspective as much as this one did. I have changed my lifestyle to be more sustainable and asked for a crop share for a birthday present instead of the usual technological gadget. I also met some of the most open minded and accepting people on this trip. I loved the entire experience and would do it again in a heartbeat!

This trip was one of the best experiences I have ever had. This was my first time out of the US so I was in awe of everything we saw and did. We traveled to so many different sites that had such unique opportunities at hand. I was able to interact with so many animals and people from a different culture than mine. Trying new foods was probably my favorite part! We also learned so much about the environment and it had a huge impact on my return to the States. I was only there for three and a half weeks but we did so much in such a short amount of time that it felt like we had been there for two months. Because of this trip, I want to go back to Australia as much as I can!