Two UWSP students are safe following a study aboard scare in New Zealand.

Alec Brown and his girlfriend Erica Klintworth went hiking and camping for a few days before their final exams when they got stuck near a river. They were stranded because of the snow and rain storms.

University of Wisconsin Stevens Point international programs director Eric Yonke says when the students didn’t return when they were expected, another student called police, who started a search and rescue on Saturday night. Searchers eventually found the two, who are doing OK.

Yonke says the couple survived by rationing their food and using hot springs to stay warm. The pair returned to Christchurch where they will likely take their finals at the University of Canterbury.

Matt Lehman, WSAU

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