If seeing one more TikTok of Euro summer will send you over the edge, travel company Contiki has revealed they’re now offering ‘Contiki University’ branded trips, offering eight ‘courses’, each fit with a major and minor subject. Pretty sure this isn’t why domestic enrolments have dropped off, but good to know.
With courses in subjects such as Greek Architecture or European Studies available, the subject range is both extremely diverse and far more limited than what the University of Otago offers. The minors can be a bit niche – mukbang, Myan myths, and ‘70s Swedish Pop Music among them (yes, really).
Managing director of Contiki, Toni Amber, said, “We’re not telling people to skip their studies. However, we are encouraging young New Zealanders to get out there and view ‘education’ from a new perspective, because there really is no better way to learn about history, culture, or even yourself, than by experiencing it and the world firsthand.”
The inspiration for these trips came after Contiki commissioned a survey of a thousand 18-35 year olds that found 67% of respondents felt they learnt more life skills from travelling than from a university course. On the other hand, 62% also agreed they felt like they needed the experience that attending university offered.
On one of those winter days that leaves shivering students questioning their move to Dunedin, Critic Te Ārohi spoke to some students for their thoughts on Contiki’s new offering. One student said he thought it was “interesting,” saying, “I’ve been studying for five years, but I could’ve been travelling?” He also added that he “assumed it’s catered to a high end background,” likely humbled by the price of plane tickets.
Like your mate's supposed upcoming “host of the year,” word doesn’t seem to have gotten around North D about Contiki Uni – but with so few people around, that’s not saying much. It may be worth sacrificing the Saturday night Fatty Lane mish to pocket some pennies for a chance to snag an educational spot on a trip.