Transcending borders
My travels to New Zealand
By: Lejend Yazzie
Tribal Affiliation: Diné
Major: Filmmaking Practices
Kia Ora! Last summer, I had a life-changing experience when I studied abroad in New Zealand. For three weeks I traveled the North and South Islands learning about the Maōri film industry, culture and Lord of the Rings. I would not trade this experience for anything.
I knew that I wanted to study abroad at some point but didn’t know which program was best for me. However, when I learned about this program’s emphasis on Indigenous cinema, I knew it was the one. It also helped that my favorite director, Taika Waititi, is from New Zealand! So, much like Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit, I set off on an adventure!
The process was fairly easy. I’ve traveled abroad before so I already had my passport. For those who don’t already have one, remember to order your passport well in advance! Another important aspect is funding. I was fortunate enough to receive financial aid and decided to pay the rest with student loans, something which I would not recommend. It just so happened that my situation was unique, which allowed me to do that. I also recommend applying for scholarships, grants and setting up a crowdfunding campaign! Reach out and connect with your tribal community or local chapter house, too, and see if there are any funding opportunities they can provide.
All that planning immediately paid off once I landed in New Zealand. Traveling to the place you’re learning about is unlike anything else. As a Film and Media Production major, visiting film locations, touring an Indigenous television studio, going to Hobbiton, and many other film-related activities were informational and transformative. It reminded me to view things on a global scale versus staying trapped in a local mindset. It is just as important to care for one’s local community as it is to be mindful of the world around you.
As a filmmaker, it showed me that creativity can happen anywhere, to use my resources and that there is much more to the industry than just Hollywood. As an Indigenous person, though, it gave me a deeper appreciation for the Maōri. It taught me about standing in solidarity with other Indigenous communities around the world. We transcend borders; our experiences with colonization bind us together in our fight against white supremacy and our journey towards a brighter future. All of which I do through storytelling and other forms of advocacy.
Besides my deep reflections about Indigeneity, I also had a lot of fun! I went zip lining for the first time, went on a day-long hiking trip, saw the eighth wonder of the world Milford Sound, scouted the filming locations for Taika’s What We do in the Shadows, and much more. I made a lot of great friends who otherwise I wouldn’t have gotten to know. My instructors were passionate about making the trip as informative, safe and fun as possible. Studying abroad gives students a greater understanding of the world, the subject matter and even themselves.
- Apply for your passport far enough in advance! It could take 4–6 weeks for a new passport or renewed expired passport to be processed. Visit the U.S. Passport Office on ASU’s Tempe campus for more information. cfo.asu.edu/passport
- Visit the ASU Study Abroad Office and pursue study abroad programs on their website at mystudyabroad.asu.edu. Search for programs based on your area of study, country of interest and program type.
- Search programs to determine which program is best for you. Do you need to fulfill requirements for your major? Looking for an internship or research opportunity? Attend an online Study Abroad 101 for information on program types, eligibility, housing and how to apply. Don’t forget to check in with your academic advisor for advice on how study abroad fits into your major!
- Plan on how to finance your study abroad. Attend an online Financing Your Study Abroad Program Workshop for more information on how to use federal financial aid and for scholarship opportunities. mystudyabroad.asu.edu/students/financing-your-study-abroad-program-workshop
- Wait to hear if your application for a study abroad program has been accepted.
For more information, visit:
mystudyabroad.asu.edu/racial-and-ethnic-minority-students
www.diversityabroad.com/articles/category/prepare-to-go-abroad?page=1
