Earlier this month, two faculty members from Indiana State University’s Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport led 11 students on a study abroad experience across New Zealand and Australia, providing a dynamic, hands-on learning opportunity rooted in sport, culture, and global engagement.
The program was designed to immerse students in international sport environments while connecting classroom concepts to real-world applications. Throughout the trip, students visited world-class sport venues, including a tour of the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, learned to play cricket and attended professional sporting events featuring the Sydney Roosters (NRL) and Sydney Swans (AFL). The group also witnessed a historic moment in rugby, as an all-time try-scoring record was broken during live competition. This would be similar to someone breaking the all-time Major League Baseball homerun record.
In addition to sport-focused experiences, students participated in the All Blacks Experience, gaining deeper insight into New Zealand’s national rugby identity and high-performance culture. Cultural learning was enhanced through engagement with Māori traditions and a visit to Piha Beach, where the group built connected with the Piha Memorial Returned and Services’ Association (RSA), highlighting the importance of community and service.
Students also explored key landmarks and participated in experiential activities across both countries, including kayaking in Sydney Harbour, completing the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, exploring the Mercer Loop, and attending a live performance of The Great Gatsby at the Sydney Opera House.
The experience was made possible in part through the generosity of Indiana State University alumni, whose contributions helped support student experiential learning and expand access to the program.
Study abroad opportunities like this are central to the department’s commitment to experiential learning, preparing students for careers in an increasingly global sport industry.