Ecology + Sustainability

GPA

2.7

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Requirements

All Auckland Ecology + Sustainability students enroll in courses for a total of 12-18 credits per semester. At least one course in the area of ecology or sustainability is required. Students select from:  

• CIEE courses  
• Exactly 3 courses at the University of Auckland (12 credits) 
• CIEE courses 
• Up to two ASU online courses (max 6 total credits)  
• In the Spring term, students will be limited to ASU Session B 
• In the Fall term, students will be limited to ASU Session A 

Program Credit

Total Credit: 12-18 (15-16 recommended) U.S. semester credits/18-27 quarter credits.    

Course Credit

• CIEE Courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours  
• CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours (15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours)  
• CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours (15 contact hours, 100-120 research hours)  
• CIEE Service-Learning Project: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 seminar hours (15 seminar hours, 90 service hours)  
• UoA Courses: 4 U.S. semester credits/6 quarter credits; 150 notional hours 
• ASU Online Courses: Typically, 3 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours

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 engagement. 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.   

CIEE courses typically run from Monday through Thursday, providing students with a concentrated schedule that allows for intensive study and exploration. This condensed format encourages students to fully engage with the material and make the most of their time. Attendance is mandatory for CIEE courses. 

University of Auckland (UoA): 

The academic environment at the University of Auckland combines traditional teaching methods and contemporary pedagogical approaches. Lectures are typically led by instructors who foster discussions and encourage active participation from students, like the structure often seen in U.S. higher education institutions. Classes are scheduled throughout the week, Monday to Friday, offering flexibility to accommodate students' various commitments. Attendance is emphasized, with students expected to attend a significant portion of face-to-face sessions, usually around 75-80%, mirroring expectations in many U.S. universities. 

Daily assignments and readings are common, disseminated through online platforms or email, allowing students to engage with course material beyond the classroom. Professors often provide access to required materials either online or through the university library, reducing the need for students to purchase textbooks, a practice also common in U.S. universities. 

ASU Courses: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.  

Class Format

CIEE classes are for CIEE students only. Classes are small, typically with up to 15 students per class, and emphasize communication and work in small groups. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas.  

UoA courses typically follow a lecture-based format, complemented by tutorials, labs, and fieldwork opportunities. Students will engage in independent research and critical analysis, gaining practical experience in conservation efforts, sustainable urban planning, and environmental justice. Through collaboration with faculty and local organizations, students can explore innovative solutions to contemporary environmental issues. 

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end.  

Grading

CIEE reports all final course grades to students’ home institutions using a U.S. letter grade equivalent scale of A-F. The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. In CIEE courses, students are graded on the basis of attendance, class engagement, homework, project work, presentations, and mid-term and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.  

University of Auckland (UoA) employs a letter-based grading system, where final grades are determined based on a combination of coursework, exams, and other assessments. A passing mark is typically 50% or higher, with grades ranging from A+ (highest) to D- (fail). Each letter grade corresponds to a percentage range, reflecting the level of mastery demonstrated by the student. 

For CIEE students enrolled at the University of Auckland, grades are reported using the university's official grading scale and then converted to recommended U.S. letter grade equivalents according to a predetermined scale.  

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students. 

Language of Instruction

There are no specific language requirements for this program.