auckland aerial skyline
Auckland, New Zealand (Aotearoa)

Summer in Auckland

New for Summer 2025!

Study Program

Tentative Dates

-

4 weeks

Credit

3 per session semester hours

4.5 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Spend your summer in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, where a vibrant and diverse environment seamlessly blends urban sophistication with natural beauty. While June through August are technically New Zealand’s winter months, the region’s mild climate makes Auckland a year-round destination, perfect for living and learning abroad.

When you participate in this summer program, you’ll enroll in one credit-bearing course per session, blending classroom instruction with enriching co-curricular excursions to Auckland's cultural sites and organizations. The city is home to world-class universities and educational institutions, providing a high-quality academic experience in various fields.

Outside the classroom, you’ll have every opportunity to immerse yourself in New Zealand's rich Māori culture, engage in exciting sports activities, and visit the region’s numerous parks, volcanic cones, and scenic beaches. Auckland's excellent public transportation system makes it easy to connect you to the city's many attractions. On foot, you can leisurely stroll through Auckland’s diverse neighborhoods and appreciate the city’s cosmopolitan vibe reflected in each area’s eclectic dining options and vibrant art scenes. Whether you're seeking adventure, academic excellence, or cultural immersion, CIEE Auckland promises an unforgettable study abroad experience! 

Unique Experiences

\

Join the electrifying Matariki Festival

in June and celebrate the Māori New Year with dazzling lights, traditional performances, and festive cheer.

Cheer on the legendary All Blacks rugby team

and dive into Auckland's passional sports culture in a thrilling, high-energy match

Experience the awe-inspiring wonders of whale watching

where majestic humpback whales grace the waters of the Hauraki Gulf, offering an unforgettable spectacle of nature's grandeur

50+

VOLCANOES IN ITS CITY LIMITS; AUCKLAND IS ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST GEOGRAPHICALLY UNIQUE URBAN AREAS

12,316 FT

IS THE HEIGHT OF MT. COOK, THE TALLEST PEAK IN NEW ZEALAND

1,076 FT

THE HEIGHT OF SKY TOWER IN AUCKLAND, THE TALLEST FREESTANDING STRUCTURE IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

Experience
  • auckland skyline viewed from hill at night
  • auckland sky tower view from city streets

Your Destination

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, famed for its outstandingly beautiful beaches, spectacular waterfront, lush rainforest-covered ranges, magnificent skyline, and scenic gulf islands. In addition to the city’s renowned natural beauty, Auckland is also known for its iconic landmarks, like Sky Tower, and its rich cultural scene. Museums and galleries showcase both the traditional Māori culture and contemporary arts. This multicultural city provides students with the chance to engage with people from various backgrounds, expanding their global perspective and intercultural competence.

Auckland boasts an incredible outdoor lifestyle and emphasis on sustainability, making it an ideal destination for students interested in the environment. With easy access to bountiful rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and pristine coastlines, students can participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and sailing, promoting physical well-being and environmental awareness.  

Auckland is also home to prestigious universities and educational institutions, like the University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology. When you intern abroad in Auckland during the American summers, it will be winter in New Zealand, but mild temperatures provide excellent opportunities for cultural immersion and outdoor adventures, shaping students to become well-rounded and globally minded individuals. 

The Culture

auckland hobbiton door

Excursions & Activities

Excursions and activities may include: 

  • Learning about New Zealand's cultural and natural history from Auckland Museum, where you will observe Māori artifacts, Pacific Island exhibits, and interactive displays 
  • Exploring Auckland's waterfront, where you can find restaurants, cafés, shops, entertainment options, and the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge 
  • Visiting Piha Beach on Auckland's west coast, known for its black sand, rugged beauty, and excellent surfing conditions 
  • Hiking the Waitakere Ranges, just to the west of Auckland, where you can walk through scenic rainforests, discover picturesque waterfalls, and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline 
  • Taking a ferry to Devonport, a charming seaside village with Victorian architecture, boutique shops, cafés, and galleries; see views of Auckland from the top of Mount Victoria 
  • Visiting Middle earth, the Lord of the Ring’s Hobbiton, where fantasy became reality on screen 
  • Exploring the rich history and traditions of the indigenous Māori culture at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, where you can witness captivating cultural performances and traditional haka dances 
  • Strolling through the vibrant Otara Market, known for its Polynesian arts, crafts, and delectable street food, offering a taste of Auckland's diverse cultural tapestry 
Housing
Academics

Academics

Students enroll in one 3-credit course per session. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to sites around Auckland. Courses are taught by CIEE instructors who are familiar with the U.S. academic system and culture.

GPA

2.5 

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.   

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Requirements

Students enroll in one 3-credit course per session.  

Program Credit

Total credit: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits per session 

Course Credit

CIEE Courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation. Similar to classes at U.S. institutions, students should expect to spend an average of two hours of preparation and study for each hour in CIEE classes. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel out of Auckland when classes are in session.

Class Format

Courses taught at the CIEE Center are for CIEE students only. A typical class schedule will span from Monday to Friday. Classes meet 4-5 times per week, and each course is a full semester in content, so the pace is accelerated, and the workload is demanding. Attendance in CIEE classes is strictly enforced, both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. Instruction is supported and augmented online by CIEE’s learning management system, Canvas.

Grading

CIEE reports all final course grades to students’ home institutions using a U.S. letter grade equivalent scale of A-F. For CIEE-administered courses, students’ grades are based on participation, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Language of Instruction

English 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Courses

Course Information

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • CIEE Stem Scholarship
  • Trailblazer Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks Start Date * End Date *

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Erik Perez

Executive Director of Regional Management – Africa, Middle East, Latin America, and Pacific Rim

Erik Pérez earned his B.S. in Economics from the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC) and his M.A. in Economics as a Fulbright Scholar in the U.S.

Maria Paz Montes Monsalve

Program Coordinator

María Paz Montes-Monsalve is an experienced professional in the international education field, with a background on translation and research.

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