Through Study Abroad In New Zealand, Chapman University Graduate Kimberly Iona Strengthened Her Hawaiian Roots And Set Out On A More Worldly Career Path

Kimberly Iona pauses before a graffiti sign stating "Aotearoa" - or "Land of the Long White Cloud," which is what New Zealand's Maori call their homeland of the past 1,000 years. Aotearoa forms the southwestern apex of the Polynesian Triangle, which includes Iona's native Hawaii.

When Chapman University student Kimberly Iona chose New Zealand as her study abroad destination in 2008, she anticipated her time on the small island nation with strong Polynesian culture like her own Hawaiian home, might reshape some of her perspectives on life.

She did not expect, however, to wrestle with her own sense of identity as a young, multi-ethnic woman raised in Oahu, Hawaii, but grounded in a U.S.-centered view of the world.

During her semester at Waikato University in Hamilton, New Zealand, “they expected so much more of me, of my heritage and Hawaiian culture,” Iona says.

But in the process of observing other students’ strong cultural identities and knowledge of native languages and world politics, she ultimately found comfort in being pushed outside her comfort zone.

“I came home with a greater appreciation for my culture and my elders,” says the 22-year-old recent graduate, “and all of those who passed on knowledge and history.”

Inspired to “give back”

The experience so impacted Iona that, when she returned to Chapman University, she began working in the Center for Global Education, encouraging other students to find ways to study abroad and dedicating herself to her university’s Pua’ikeana (Hawaii club), serving as its president.

Cynthia Banks, GlobaLinks Executive Director, presents Kimberly Iona, a Chapman University graduate from Hawaii, with the 2009 Future International Educator/Alumna Of The Year Award during the annual NAFSA conference in May 2009 in Los Angeles.

She also stayed connected to her AustraLearn study abroad experience by participating in the GlobaLinks’ enCompass program, a series of activities for AustraLearn / AsiaLearn / EuroLearn alumni to reflect and share their experiences with others, including an opportunity to write an essay application for an award recognizing those who want to work in international education.

“The whole process was amazing,” Iona said of her AustraLearn study abroad experience. “It was a lot of hard work for myself, as well as the provider and the study abroad coordinator. But I saw it as such a great process to help kids find comfort in another country.”

“I want to give back what I got,” she added.

Last week, her efforts were recognized when GlobaLinks announced her as the 2009 Future International Educator/Alumna of the Year, an annual award presented to one outstanding participant of GlobaLinks’ programs and designed to encourage and support the next generation of professionals working in the international education field.

Iona received her award during the annual GlobaLinks Partner Appreciation Luncheon during the 2009 NAFSA: Association of International Educators conference in Los Angeles. Those selected for the award receive financial support, including lodging and conference registration, shadow experienced GlobaLinks staff, network with international education professionals, assist at the GlobaLinks exhibition booth and take on a special project. In Iona’s case, the project involved diversity and education abroad.
“Kim truly exemplifies what this award is all about,” said Cynthia Banks, GlobaLinks executive director and founder. “She went to New Zealand expecting to learn about the world and meet new people. But soon, she found her eyes opened to new career possibilities as well.”

Kimberly Iona and fellow students at the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand

Different viewpoints stir new questions

During her time at Waikato, Iona studied political science, the Maori language and the Islamic religion. She expected her peers might be more knowledgeable about international news but was surprised to find students three to four years younger than herself who had a better grip on world affairs and politics, even the U.S. presidential election.

“They grew up with more information or facts about the entire world instead of just only in New Zealand,” Iona says. “I just saw that as something so amazing and blessed as a young student entering college. I never really got a worldly view growing up through education, unless I took an international class.”

Iona felt herself influenced in other ways by the students she met, who asked her about being Hawaiian yet not speaking her native language. There was one friend in particular who even thought she was blue-eyed and half Scottish chose instead to strongly identify with her Maori cultural roots.

“Everything she embodied, everything she did in the Maori way,” Iona says.

In observing this, Iona says, she felt “a pull and tug with who I was.”

Kimberly Iona and friends in Hawaii.

She decided to talk over her questions with her elders, including her “tutu” – Hawaiian for “grandmother.”

She was told, “Now that you see how other people view you, how important language is to a culture, you can take the necessary steps to better yourself as a Hawaiian.”

Career path toward encouraging others to learn and explore

Now, Iona says, she views her cultural roots not as a responsibility, “but something I want to do, to pass on Hawaiian culture and knowledge to the next generation.”

She hopes a career in international education will help her in that goal, envisioning that maybe one day she’ll work for the University of Hawaii system helping students study abroad so they too can see “views beyond the Hawaiian view.”

Originally intending to return to Hawaii to become a teacher, Iona, who graduated in May, is now is pursuing a master’s degree in international studies.

“We know studying abroad helps produce more globally engaged citizens because we see the results every day,” Banks says. “But some students, like Kim, return home with not just greater awareness but true passion for helping others find their own enlightenment through time spent internationally with other societies and cultures.”

Kimberly Iona exploring Franz Josef Glacier on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island.

Iona is the third recipient of the Future International Educator/Alumni of the Year Award. Last year’s winner was Michelle “Shelly” Jackson, a graduate of Furman University. The 2007 winner was Kelsey McNichols, a graduate of the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

“It was an honor to be the recipient of this year’s award and to participate in the NAFSA 2009 conference,” Iona says. “I am humbled by the experience but excited for what new doors may open because of it, and I look forward to being a part of such a dedicated workforce.”

Random Fun Facts – Kimberly Iona

What was your favorite new food while in New Zealand?
- Butter chicken

“It’s chicken in a tomato cream sauce. It’s so good. That was my high while I was there. I was missing Mexican food really badly.”

What was your favorite new music you picked on while abroad?
The Black Seeds (New Zealand band)

“I like a lot of Reggae. … Their music is happy, cruise, let’s-go-for-a-nice-car-ride Reggae music. It just puts me in such a good mood.”

What new habit did you pick up while abroad?
New phrases, like “Sweet As”

“I came back with a little bit of the lingo. My friends were like, ‘You’re not in New Zealand.’”

How many people do you keep in contact with from your abroad experience?
- Three girls, American students she met in New Zealand, and several friends back in New Zealand.

“I use Skype sometimes to talk to the people in New Zealand. It’s great having another group of friends to connect with on a subject I just can’t get enough of, and they understand that.”

- Stacey Hartmann

GlobaLinks NewsWire Editor

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