WSU Credit Queries? Contact Dr Lorene Olson, 507 457 5499, lolson@winona.edu
Other Program Queries? Contact Crockett Roberts, 1800 655 3513, crockett@pacificchallenge.org

Since it's inception in 1985, Pacific Challenge Programs have drawn interest from a number of Universities in the US and Australia. Winona State University recognises the value of these experiential based learning opportunities and has offered classes/credit for Pacific Challenge Programs since 1994, culminating in a Minor in Adventure Tourism now being offered by WSU with 15 credits obtainable on the Pacific Challenge New Zealand Australia experience.

About WSU Credit ~ Any participant on the Pacific Challenge NZ/Australia Program may take WSU credit.

Academic credit is offered through Winona State University, a campus of the Minnesota State University System. WSU is a regionally and nationally accredited institution, and Pacific Challenge participants typically do not experience problems transferring WSU/Pacific Challenge credits to their home schools as 'elective credits'. Some university advisors will even allow the transfer of WSU/ Pacific Challenge credits into a student's major. However, transfer of credits is at the discretion of the home school transfer coordinator and/or advisor. Therefore, we recommend students discuss this option with their academic advisor well in advance of class enrollment.

Credit earned during the program consists of a carefully designed interdisciplinary subject base, carrying 9 upper and 6 lower division semester hours or the equivalent in quarter hour credits.

Study interests will typically include coursework in Leadership & Group Dynamics, Cultural Comparisons, Tourism Planning and Management of Outdoor/Adventure Based Tourism Programs.

The courses offered are designed around the program, and are thus highly relevant to the whole experience. They are also facilitated in an incredibly stimulating learning environment.

Class facilitation follows this model:
Pre-trip: academic meetings; assigned readings; preparation research/questions
Throughout the trip: interview and investigative research assignments; journaling; site visits and cultural immersion.
Mid-trip: Residential sessions with US professors; lectures; tutorials; tests
Post-trip: Completion of coursework; submission of papers

Class Syllabi: Please click here to view and print the courses and syllabi being offered on the January-March 2008 Program
In addition to the courses offered, a minor in Adventure Tourism is offered at WSU, of which some of the required credits are obtainable on the Pacific Challenge Program. For more information on this, please contact Dr. Lorene Olson.

The courses offered on the Jan-March 2007 New Zealand/Australia Program are through WSU's Division of Recreation and Tourism (within the Department of PER). Each class is worth 3 semester credits (approx. 4.5 term credits).

Credit Costs
A differential tuition system has now been adopted for WSU/Pacific Challenge credit on the New Zealand Australia Program, thus all participants will pay the same tuition fees, irrespective of whether they are in or out of state. This is particularly beneficial for students/participants who are not Minnesota residents and represents up to a 40% discount on previous years' tuition.

Each class is worth 3 semester credits (or approx. 4.5 term/quarter hour credits):

Note: Tuition rates may vary in 2008 and are likely to be higher, dependent upon the Minnesota State University system. Correct tuition fees for future programs will be updated here as soon as finalized.

Financial Aid
Non-WSU students, please contact the financial aid office at your home school to discuss eligibility for financial aid while studying abroad with Pacific Challenge. WSU students eligible for financial aid may utilize this assistance for study with Pacific Challenge. Please discuss this with your financial aid officer.

UWI, La Crosse students, please see Sandy Sieber in the Study Abroad office to discuss financial aid for this program.

Enrollment

Please contact Dr Lorene Olson if you have any queries regarding enrollment procedure.

The WSU class enrollment packet for the Jan-March 2008 program: [link to packet]

Required Textbooks and Textbook Ordering Instructions for Pacific Challenge courses >> still to be updated for Jan-Mar 2008

Below you will find a class-by-class listing of all the required Pacific Challenge books and workbooks for those taking WSU classes. Instructions for ordering are also included. Please remember to order early.

Click here to view and print the class-by-class required texts list

PLEASE NOTE: Some of the PC books are available ONLY through the WSU Bookstore.

To order on line, go to www.wsubookstore.com/
>> Click on textbook
>> Select a campus/term combination
>> Select a department (PER in this case)
>> Select a course (Use numbers listed in course syllabi)
>> Select a section (Select “PC-Olson”)
>> Continue shopping until all your books and workbooks for all your classes have been ordered.