Lord of the Rings: Study Abroad in Middle-Earth
- New Zealand
About Program
Spend a year in Middle-Earth and experience the unique culture and alternative learning systems of this diverse and engaging region. Although recently a place of turmoil and chaos, the Fourth Age of Middle-earth is shaping up to be a time of peace and prosperity. Since Middle-earth is currently undergoing a transition between Third Age elvish magic and the Fourth Age's man-made advancements, this is the perfect time to study abroad in Middle-earth. Our placements include:
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- Rivendell: Peruse Elrond's library, the largest collection of scrolls in Middle-earth, made public upon its owner's departure from Middle-earth, as you embark on an independent research project in the Last Homely House East of the Sea. In the beautiful city of Rivendell, in addition to improving your fluency in Sindarin, you'll brush up on your Quenya under the tutelage of the few remaining experts in the realm. You can also take advantage of the Moon Rune reading room, one of the few remaining in the world as you decode ancient texts and hidden messages from generations ago.
- Caras Galadhon: The political and cultural center of Lorien, Caras Galadhon has lost much of its former glory since the end of the Third Age. Nevertheless the city, under the rule of Celeborn, remains a popular destination for those interested in elvish studies. In Caras Galadhon live the last memories of the Elder Days of Middle-earth. Students who are specializing in disenchantment studies will also find Caras Galadhon particularly fascinating, as the power of the ring Nenya which sustained the city slowly fades from the earth. As you live in the Mellyrn of the elves of Lorien, you'll not only improve your Sindarin and Quenya, you'll have the chance to experience the last twilight rays of this beautiful and ancient city.
- Edoras: The capital of the kingdom of Rohan, Edoras is the perfect location for those who are interested in veterinary medicine. Known as the horse lords, the people of Rohan care deeply about their steeds and have some of the most advanced veterinary practices in all of Middle-earth. There is also an option for a particularly talented student interested in linguistics to work with scholar Meriadoc Brandybuck on a comparative study of Rohirric and old Hobbitish. Edoras is also a great location for women looking to study abroad in Middle-earth. Since the heroic actions of Eowyn during the War of the Ring, Rohan has been enacting sweeping reforms and mentorship programs to raise the status of women within the kingdom.
- Minas Tirith: The White City of Gondor is entering a new age of prosperity with its new king and Minas Tirith is on its way to becoming the preeminent city of Middle-earth. King Elessar has used this time of peace to reinvest in education in Gondor's capital. This includes the introduction of the cutting-edge medicinal knowledge he gained during his time as a ranger to the city's medicinal training programs. There is also the chance to study as a pupil of the same wizard who taught the city's former steward, Faramir. Under the wizard's tutelage, you'll learn about the history of Gondor and Middle-earth as a whole, and take your study of ancient languages and lore to the next level.
- Aglarond: Attend a special geological study in the Glittering Caves of Helm's Deep, one of the most beautiful locales in Middle-earth. The caves, as described by Gimli Elf-friend and current Lord of the Glittering Caves, are sure to enthrall anyone with a passion for the Stone: “when the torches are kindled and men walk on the sandy floors under the echoing domes, ah! then, gems and crystals and veins of precious ore glint in the polished walls; and the light glows through folded marbles, shell-like... There are columns of white and saffron and dawn-rose, fluted and twisted into dreamlike forms; they spring up from many-coloured floors to meet the glistening pendants of the roof: wings, ropes, curtains fine as frozen clouds; spears, banners, pinnacles of suspended palaces!”
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