What inspired you to go abroad?
I have traveled many states throughout North America and studying abroad always interested me. I always knew I wanted to go abroad, I just thought it financially would never be possible. Interning abroad was a lower cost and allowed me to have the opportunity to go abroad. I have had the travel bug all my life. I love getting to see the different scenery plus learn about all the different cultures.
The original bungy jump location, Kawarua Bridge at 43m high.
Why did you choose New Zealand Internships?
Since I was the first student from the University of Indianapolis to do an internship abroad, the program chose me. It was the best way to get abroad at lower cost than studying abroad.
What was your favorite part about New Zealand?
The scenery in NZ is amazing. I loved getting to travel the whole north island on the weekends and then getting to travel to the south island was well worth it. I couldn't take my eyes off the scenery on every bus, train, and plane.
What made your experience abroad unique?
I am a first-generation college student, so going abroad is not something anyone in my family has done before. With this being said, they were all so supportive throughout the whole process. I was very thankful for all the support and having the opportunity to be the first to go abroad.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
I was checked on throughout the 12 weeks I was abroad from my internship advisor, my study abroad advisor, the program advisor, and the career development advisors. All the support was definitely needed, plus I enjoyed updating them about how great things were going.
Mountains upon Mountains in the beautiful South Island of NZ.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
One thing I wish I would have done differently was go out more during the weekdays. It seemed that I was always exhausted by the end of the day, so I would go home and relax the rest of the night. I probably could have seen a bit more of the city that way.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
Everyday brought a new adventure, but the main layout of the day was assisting the physiotherapist in the physiotherapy groups. I would also help out with planning and running the exercise programs for the autistic students. Other free time, I was helping the occupational therapist with her groups. The end of the day was for reflection and working on my main project.
Chasing one of the many waterfalls of NZ
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
Traveling around the country. Only one weekend of the 12, I had nothing planned and it ended up raining all weekend, so it was meant to be a lazy weekend. 6 of the 12 weekends were student trips, which led me to meeting interns from around the world. I now have many more friends to see in different countries. Maybe another internship abroad will do me good. The other 4 weekends, I spent with my co-workers, who thankfully took me exploring, or my friends from New Zealand that I had met at camp 2 years ago, so I traveled around the whole North Island of NZ. My last weekend will be spent in the South Island with many different activities such as a glacier hike, a bungy jump on the world's first original bungy, a boat cruise on Milford Sound, and a horseback ride through the mountains. By the time I leave here, I will have crossed many items off my bucket list.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
I stayed with a host family that ended up just being a host mom. She was willing to cook every night and her food was amazing!
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
Do your research before traveling to a different country. Make sure you know the ways that people there go about their days. There is always something that may seem normal to you, but come off as rude to them.
Surfing in Raglan on a black sand beach.
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
I feel that I have really become even more independent. I have been pretty independent my whole life, but realizing how lucky I have it at home with little things like having my own car and family close by. It made me truly realize how much I love my hometown and my family. It has really opened my eyes to not wanting to move away that far for more than a year.
Would you recommend New Zealand Internships to others? Why?
Absolutely. Geneva Elevator was amazing. I had so much support from my coworkers and supervisors. They were amazing. Plus the clients made it all worth it as well. I got to really know and understand clients situations at the clinic as well as at home.
