Creation Care Studies

VISION

The Creation Care Study Program (CCSP) is a semester abroad connecting Christian faith with the urgent global issues of the coming decades. You will embrace new intellectual and spiritual challenges while experiencing unparalleled learning opportunities in tropical rainforests, mountain streams, and coral reefs.

Central America: Belize
Located along the Caribbean coast of Central America, Belize is home to a host of Caribbean and Central American cultures and ethnic groups as well as inspiring ecological diversity, including neotropical rainforests, and the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere.

Within this context, CCSP students are able to examine sustainable development and tropical ecology through a Christian lens of creation care and stewardship by utilizing field studies in Belizean villages, tropical rainforests, mountain streams and Caribbean atolls. Students also have the opportunity to take part in interest-specific internship and practicum experiences with Belizean organizations seeking regeneration and renewal of the land and communities.

The South Pacific: New Zealand
From New Zealand's snow-capped mountains to its topaz coastline, CCSP's New Zealand students explore a wonderland of unique ecosystems. Home to about twelve percent of all the earth's endangered species and a world-leading innovator in conservation and environmental management, New Zealand is an ideal place for studying the care of creation.

A rigorous academic semester comprised of ecology, theology, environmental literature, and sustainable community development is enhanced by a community living experience, from the day students move into CCSP's Old Convent campus to homestays with locals.

Check out Creation Care Studies' Instagram for up-to-date info, photos, and more!

QUALIFICATIONS

CCSP is an interdisciplinary program that welcomes applications from various majors. To gain eligibility you must:

• Have Sophomore standing or above
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75
• Possess a strong commitment to academics and Christianity
   

CREDIT

Belize Total credit: 15–17 credit hours

New Zealand Total credit: 15 credit hours

• Intro to Sustainable Community Development
• God & Nature
• Tropical Ecosystems/New Zealand Ecosystems
• Environmental Literature
• Internship Elective (Belize )
• Te Reo Maori language (New Zealand)

Gordon credit is given for students who participate in the Creation Care Studies program. To find Gordon course codes and course descriptions search Gordon's undergraduate catalog for "CCS" (catalog.gordon.edu).

COSTS

The Global Education Office will work with Student Financial Services to reassess each applicant's institutional aid for their off-campus semester. Institutional aid includes Gordon-awarded merit scholarships and grants, honors program awards, and major-or department-specific awards. Factors in the reassessment process include financial need, GEO program flexibility within your major/minor, and program cost. SFS will provide a breakdown of costs to each student after their approval has been issued by the GEO. The CCSP program is one of the more expensive programs the GEO partners with. Students can expect a significant change in Gordon financial aid (possibly no financial aid) for a semester at CCSP. Federal and private aid will not be affected.

Regular costs include:

• Tuition
• Housing
• Meals
• Program ground transportation

Not covered:

• Flights
• Personal expenses
• Independent travel
• Visa fees

APPLICATION PROCEDURE & DEADLINES

All Gordon students applying to this program must first submit an online seat application to the Global Education Office before applying directly to your program. Seat applications must be submitted to the GEO by March 1 for both fall and spring semesters.

After the Global Education Office has notified you of your approval, you may then proceed with the program's application. See CCSP's website for more information on applications and deadlines. 

APPLY

Check out Creation Care Studies on Instagram!