Facilitating international fieldwork: the receptive services of New Zealand’s geography community

Abstract

This study aims to provide preliminary insight into facilitating international fieldwork in New Zealand by researchers and universities who support visiting university groups. Anonymous online surveys sought views of supporting researchers (15 respondents), and supported scholars (8 respondents). The extent to which international fieldwork is facilitated by partnerships with local institutions depends upon the nature, scope and location of the visiting field trip, and the willingness and ability of the local community to provide that support. Where provided, support was diverse and perceived to contribute positively to student learning. Both supporting researcher and supported scholar perceive value in these connections.

Keywords:

• long-haul fieldwork
• teaching support
• student learning
• pedagogic value

Acknowledgements

The overseas academic staff running fieldwork in New Zealand who took time to contribute their views are thanked for their time and insights. Those who engaged from the New Zealand geography community are also thanked for their participation and opinion. The anonymous reviewers tasked with reviewing this manuscript are thanked for their time and assistance, and Professor Derek France is thanked for prompting this investigation and symposium contribution.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.