Crisavydenil Seeman ’25 | Perham, Minnesota
Major: Business Marketing
Minor: Communication Studies
Certificate: Entrepreneurial Mindset
Crisavy Seeman spent Spring 2024 studying abroad in Wellington, New Zealand. She had always known she wanted to travel during college and, when the opportunity to study abroad came through Һ’s Global Learning Office, she knew she had to take it. With support from the campus team, she applied for a University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) program at Massey University and, a year later, she was boarding a plane to the other side of the world.
Spending a semester abroad was a long-time dream of mine — it was always a matter of “when” rather than “if.” Having a mom from the Philippines and a dad who’s also well traveled, I grew up hearing stories that stretched across continents. They’re my biggest inspirations for seeing the world while I’m still young, and their encouragement gave me the courage to chase that experience for myself.
From February to June, I lived in Wellington, New Zealand — an artsy harbor city often compared to San Francisco. Nestled between hills and ocean, Wellington is the capital of Aotearoa and home to a vibrant creative scene, rich political history, and a deep connection to Māori culture. I studied at Massey University, taking classes in communication, marketing, New Zealand history, and film photography — which quickly became my favorite.
Before landing in New Zealand, I spent two weeks in Hawai’i with my mom’s side of the family, where I got involved in hands-on environmental work. I volunteered with 808 Cleanups, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring the islands’ natural beauty, participating in beach restorations, invasive species removal, and native planting. That experience inspired me to continue giving back during my semester abroad. In New Zealand, I joined local nonprofits like Mountains to Sea Wellington and the Sea Shepherd Marine Debris Campaign, taking part in coastal cleanups that deepened my appreciation for marine conservation.
While I loved meeting people from around the world and learning through a new cultural lens, it was an adjustment at first. Massey’s independent learning style meant fewer class hours and a more self-guided study — often through recorded lectures. While it felt similar to distance learning during the pandemic at times, it helped me build a stronger sense of discipline and time management. More importantly, I learned that I’m capable of adapting and thriving even when I’m far outside my comfort zone. My history course also taught me a lot about Māori culture and the Treaty of Waitangi, a foundational part of Aotearoa’s identity that challenged me to think differently about colonization, partnership, and reconciliation.
It wasn’t just the coursework that shaped me. My film photography project, Postcards from New Zealand, became a creative and emotional outlet for me. It told the story of my time abroad through three visual themes: nature, the ocean, and city life. I used photography to capture personal, quiet places I kept returning to — places that helped me feel grounded. I played with light and composition to reflect moments of growth, comfort, and curiosity. It was my way of archiving this season of becoming.
Outside the classroom, I explored as much as I could. I lived just a 20-minute walk from the waterfront and went there often. I even joined a local run club called Jog On, pushing myself to meet new people and show up even when I felt out of place. This turned out to be one of the best decisions I made while abroad. My favorite beach in Wellington was Princess Bay — a tucked-away gem with tide pools and incredible sunsets. I also loved Island Bay and hiked to the Red Rocks, where I saw seals! It was truly unforgettable.
During breaks, I took the chance to explore more of the country. Our long-time family friends, the Kyles, showed me around the South Island — where I got to see popular attractions like Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Wanaka, and Queenstown. The Kyles also introduced me to their love for vintage traction engines and took me to a steam engine rally. It was quite the experience. I later took a weeklong road trip through the upper North Island, visiting Auckland, the Coromandel, the glowworm caves at Waitomo, and the Hobbiton. My favorite stop was Raglan, a relaxed surfer town full of good vibes. I even spent 10 days in Australia during my midsemester break with one of my best friends who flew down from Fargo to visit!
It’s easy to list the highlights, but not every moment was easy. One of the hardest experiences was losing a close high school friend to cancer during the semester. Grieving that loss from across the world was isolating and heavy. I also struggled with homesickness — mostly missing people like the strong sense of community I knew so well at Һ. I’ve never been great at texting, so staying in touch took effort. But even through the hard days, I learned how to give myself grace and lean into the discomfort. I kept reminding myself that it’s OK for adventure to include hard chapters too.
It’s OK for adventure to include hard chapters too.
More than anything, I gained confidence. I learned that I could show up alone and still find connection, that I can be challenged and still find joy, and that even when things feel overwhelming — I can figure it out. I met some amazing people, made some lifelong memories, and deepened my sense of who I am and what I care about.
If you’re thinking about studying abroad — or just going somewhere new — I couldn’t recommend it more. Whether it’s a weekend road trip or a full semester away, getting out of your comfort zone will stretch and surprise you in all the best ways. It’s not always perfect. But it is always worth it.
I’ve definitely caught the travel bug, and I don’t think it’s going away anytime soon. For me, New Zealand became more than just a place I studied — it was a reminder that the world is wide, beautiful, and waiting. I can’t help but fittingly end with a quote from J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit”: “The world is not in your books and maps. It is out there.”
Published May 2025