From March 4–15, 11 students and two faculty members from Indiana State University College of Health and Human Services will travel to New Zealand and Australia for an immersive study abroad experience examining the powerful intersection of sport and culture.
Representing sport management, kinesiology, communication, and sport communication, the group will explore how athletics shape — and are shaped by — national identity, tradition, and community life in Auckland, New Zealand, and Sydney, Australia.
Exploring Rugby and Māori Traditions in Auckland
In Auckland, students will examine the cultural significance of rugby as a defining element of New Zealand identity. A highlight of the visit will be the All Blacks Experience, where participants will gain insight into the legacy and global impact of New Zealand’s iconic national rugby team.
The program will also explore the integration of Māori traditions into sport, including the haka — a ceremonial dance that has become a powerful symbol of unity and pride in international competition. Through visits to Rotorua Māori cultural sites and engagement with local communities, students will deepen their understanding of Indigenous perspectives on land stewardship, sustainability, and cultural preservation.
Faculty leaders note that these experiences will help students appreciate how sport can serve as both a reflection of cultural heritage and a platform for honoring Indigenous traditions in modern society.
Discovering Australia’s Diverse Sporting Culture
The program continues in Sydney, where students will study Australia’s broad and vibrant sporting landscape, including cricket, Australian Rules football, sailing, and kayaking.
Visits to historic and contemporary venues will provide context for understanding the global influence of Australian sport. At the legendary Sydney Cricket Ground, students will explore cricket’s longstanding cultural importance. They will also visit sites associated with the 2000 Summer Olympics, examining how the Games elevated Australia’s international profile and contributed to national pride and infrastructure development.
Time spent at iconic locations such as Bondi Beach will further highlight the connection between outdoor recreation, sport, and lifestyle in Australian culture.
Broadening Global Perspectives
By experiencing the unique sporting cultures of New Zealand and Australia firsthand, students will gain a broader understanding of how sport transcends borders while reflecting the distinct histories, values, and identities of a region.
The transformative program underscores Indiana State University’s commitment to experiential learning and global engagement. Through academic exploration, cultural immersion, and meaningful dialogue with local communities, participating students will return with expanded worldviews and deeper insight into the global role of sport in shaping societies.
For these Sycamores, the journey represents more than international travel — it is an opportunity to see how sport connects people across continents while illuminating the stories that define nations.