'It Changed My Entire Perspective': Ella Ford's Journey to New Zealand and Back
By Grace Chai
Content
When deciding where to go for a semester, Ella Ford recalled how her mother had studied abroad in Rome as an art major. Similarly, she wanted to immerse herself in an experience that encapsulated her interests.
Ford, a senior psychology major and Honors student, first heard about the International Scholars Program (ISP) from a friend who had a great experience studying abroad through the program. Inspired by that recommendation, she saw ISP as the perfect opportunity to fulfill Honors requirements while studying abroad.
“ISP gave me all of that and more,” said Ford. “I feel like it really did a good job providing me with a good basis before I went abroad and then when I was abroad, it helped me with my financial aid.”
As a big fan of the outdoors, Ford chose New Zealand for its breathtaking natural beauty. She chose to study at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch — one of four study abroad destinations in New Zealand.
Ford credits her study abroad experience with helping her expand her professional connections and giving her skills that she could apply when she returned home. She says that Madalina Akli, the program director, made her study abroad journey easy and straightforward — from the preparation process to the experience itself — by connecting her with resources through the Office of Global Affairs (OGA).
Ford also pointed out that ISP students receive financial aid for being a part of the program and finishing it, which made the prospect of studying abroad less daunting and more attainable.
“Madalina and the Honors College as well just did a great job checking in with me throughout the whole process before going abroad and making sure all my credits transferred and everything. It was a really simple, easy process that was made possible by Madalina in the ISP program, the Honors College, and the Office of Global Affairs,” said Ford.
Among the highlights of Ford's time abroad were a hands-on course where students interacted with the local community every week and learned about the culture of the Māori (New Zealand's indigenous peoples), as well as going on a backpacking trip. With a group of five friends, she ventured out for a four-day canoe trip down the Whanganui River, one of the Great Walks of New Zealand, which feature some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the country.
“In the coursework I took in the ISP program, we discussed our individual values and how that related to the world around us and how that also related globally to the world around us, which was really cool to see that play out in my life in New Zealand,” said Ford.
Ford encouraged any student interested in ISP or studying abroad to reach out to a current ISP fellow and Madalina Akli, and emphasized to students that most financial aid will follow them abroad.
Regarding how her time abroad has shaped her future career aspirations, Ford said, “I think every day I become more sure of the fact that I know I want to help people and work with children. I am excited to graduate and pursue different experiences that will help further enhance my understanding of what I want to do.”
She plans on moving back to New Zealand for seven months next year to learn more about the country and to experience everyday life there.
“I think it really has changed my entire perspective on the world,” Ford reflected. “I learned so much about myself through the program and the lessons that we talked about in the International Scholars Program.”
Featuring
Grace Chai
