By Michelle Martinez and Kristen LaRue-Sandler — February 19, 2024
Join ASU film and media studies faculty Michelle Martinez and Christopher Bradley in New Zealand this summer!
For three weeks (Jun. 20-Jul. 12, 2024), students enrolled in the New Zealand: Film, Culture and Lord of the Rings ASU Global Education program will travel throughout the country exploring filming locations, visiting cultural landmarks and meeting film professionals in places like Hobbiton, Rivendell and Weta Workshop. In addition to Peter Jackson’s iconic "Lord of the Rings" franchise, the trip also includes an in-depth study of Māori culture and film production, including the films of Taika Waititi ("Hunt for the Wilderpeople," "What We Do In the Shadows," "Thor: Ragnarok") and many other films that have emerged from New Zealand.
Come with us to reenact some of your favorite scenes from LOTR, watch rugby players do a Haka dance, and learn about Māori art and cultural from members of the community. The best part is that while you are on a trip of a lifetime, you'll be earning 6 credits that carry upper division Humanities, Global Awareness, and Literacy general studies designations.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to trip faculty Michelle Martinez or Christopher Bradley. ASU Global Education office coordinator Ayana Caines is available to help students find scholarships and/or other financial aid.
A few words from previous students who joined us in New Zealand:
- "Being an online student can often be isolated and feel like as though one is not in a traditional school. Studying abroad gave me the opportunity to meet my fellow students and create life-long friendships. We shared an experience of a lifetime, and I have come back with a new support system and more motivation and drive to excel at my studies."
— Tasha B.
- "Seeing things in print is just one way of seeing things. Online assignments are one-dimensional. You can’t bring memories to life when you reflect upon it. When you are offered a chance to study abroad, especially as an online student you are offered the chance to bring color, smell and touch to life. It is something you can remember when you try and tell someone about your experience. You get to immerse yourself into the joys you read about or watch on screen and the worlds come to life. It helped me open up and be someone different and someone better."
— Taylor V.
- "Extending the study abroad options to online students is a perfect example of how ASU strives to make every student feel valued and a part of a larger community. When I went on the LOTR New Zealand program, I expected to see the beauty of New Zealand and to learn about New Zealand culture and film. By the end of the trip, I gained so much more than that; I ended up with a Whānau, or family, that I know will continue to support me thorough my ASU online journey."
— Logan L.