Megan Hart, a Centralis scholar and broadcasting and cinematic arts major at Central Michigan University, shared her experiences from a faculty-led trip to New Zealand in the summer, according to a Mar. 26 report. Hart joined other students through the Honors Program for an immersive study abroad opportunity focused on environmentalism and leadership.
The program allowed Hart and her classmates to learn about conservation efforts while engaging with indigenous Māori culture. During their stay, they participated in traditional ceremonies, planted over 400 native trees or plants, and visited wildlife conservation parks. Hart described her time with the Māori tribe as particularly moving: “It was probably the most emotional event of the trip,” she said. “One day, we hiked into their spiritual land, and the tribe explained that in their Māori culture, the water is Mother Earth, and the sky is Father Sky.” She added that students were encouraged to observe nature closely during these activities.
Hart also recounted how colonists introduced non-native mammals such as ferrets and pigs into New Zealand’s ecosystem without natural predators present. Conservationists have since set traps along trails to manage these species. The group practiced Leave No Trace principles throughout their journey—emphasizing not littering or disturbing wildlife—and took turns leading hikes despite challenges along the way. “The day I was a leader, I fell into the river… It was kind of funny,” Hart said.
Hart’s participation was made possible by Centralis study abroad funds awarded by CMU’s Honors Program. She noted how therapeutic it felt being immersed in nature away from digital distractions: “While in New Zealand, I felt like I could actually breathe… I can just enjoy nature and it was very therapeutic.”
Central Michigan University leads nationally in participation for Alternative Breaks programs according to its official website. The university has also been recognized as one of two Adobe Creative Campuses in Michigan and one of four Celonis Academic Centers of Excellence nationally according to its official website. CMU offers more than 200 academic programs across seven colleges—including undergraduate, graduate, online, and study abroad options according to its official website—and focuses on preparing students for successful careers through comprehensive education as per its official website.
CMU ranks first in Michigan and sixth in the Midwest for highest earnings among females under 40 as noted on its official website. The university extends offerings beyond Michigan through online courses and international study opportunities according to its official website.
Reflecting on her experience abroad with fellow students who became close friends during travel together across New Zealand’s landscapes—and even commemorating their adventure with tattoos—Hart said: “To this day, I still keep in contact with many of them… It was my first time really abroad, and this group made it so easy to be far away from home.”