Students Immerse in New Zealand Culture

Hamilton, New Zealand – Dr. Lori Czop Assaf and Jodi Brooks led an exhilarating four-week study abroad adventure to New Zealand in July, partnering with the University of Waikato.

The program immersed nine graduate and five undergraduate students from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in a world of discovery. Students delved into intensive coursework on culturally and linguistically diverse literacy instruction and application of critical social studies pedagogy, gaining invaluable insights about the Maori culture and linguistic practices from local educators and education students at the University of Waikato. They also collaborated with elementary students and teachers at three local schools, experiencing firsthand the New Zealand education system.

To enrich their experience, students chose between the comfort of campus housing or the cultural immersion of living with local host families. Off campus, the group embarked on thrilling adventures, including a spiritual journey to a marae, conquering the heights of Mount Maunganui in Tauranga, and marveling at the enchanting glowworm caves of Waitomo.