Derek Smith

Almost having completed a degree in forest silviculture degree at his American university, Derek Smith decided to enhance his education with a year at New Zealand's University of Canterbury, specifically to pursue his interest in Game Management. Through a reciprocal exchange programme with the Virginia Polytechnic Institution and State University USA, Derek was able to enrol in Canterbury's Bachelor of Forestry Science (Zoology) programme, choosing papers in Community Forestry, Antarctic studies, Natural Resource Law , Applied Ecology and Conservation Biology as ideal additions to his overall degree.

Obviously keen on the outdoors, the additional appeal of New Zealand for Derek was the breadth of recreational opportunities so easily available to him. "In New Zealand I could enjoy the best of both worlds studying aspects of the environment at university during the week and spending the weekends outdoors."

At the beginning of his first semester Derek joined the canoe club and the tramping club offered through the university. This meant that he spent his weekends white-water kayaking, or tramping in the South Island's national parks, enjoying the company of other students and New Zealand's outdoor lifestyle. "Not only has belonging to a few of the clubs on campus been a great way of meeting people, they have also provided a real convenient way to get around and see the sights."

Now back in America, Derek encourages others to undertake a New Zealand education. "Studying in another country is simple. Do it, don't hesitate!"