Alumni Interview with Tiffany Young

What inspired you to go abroad?

I always had a wandering mind that’s taken me on different paths in life. As a filmmaker and photographer who loved being in the outdoors, I couldn't say no to the opportunity of six months in New Zealand! So during the Spring semester of junior year, it had dawned on me that I’ve never traveled out of the country. Luckily, with the study abroad fair around the corner and nothing to lose for my senior year, my love for hiking drove me towards the mountains of New Zealand where I continued to wonder.

Why did you choose your specific program/organization?

When I approached The Education Abroad Network (TEAN) table, it stood out because of its extensive program from adventure excursions and cultural excursions. TEAN basically did all the difficult task and provided everything I needed during school like housing (and bedding), health and travel insurance, and even a phone with a sim card (absolute necessity.) You pay for the tuition and flights and they even offer a student flight plan (especially helpful for those, like myself, who have never traveled alone before.) I had never been so attracted to flying to the other side of the world!

What was your favorite part about New Zealand?

New Zealand had everything I could ever ask for. There are mountains that'll catch you in awe at every corner, beaches with soft sand and amazing waves, volcanic mountains calling to all adrenaline junkies, the friendliest, most welcoming, and most sarcastic people, as well as fish and chip in every town. But I'll just stop there because the list is truly endless.

What made your experience in New Zealand unique?

It was totally relaxed. I come from a town where if you wanted to go somewhere, you had to drive there. Being abroad I didn’t feel the stress of trying to do a daily task or going on last minute adventures on foot. I loved living in a mixed flat of six with everything I needed was within a 20 minute walk (hikes, grocery stores, downtown — you know, the important places!)

How did local staff support you throughout your program?

Today I consider the local staff from the University of Otago, friends. They were people who I could look at professionally, but also as a companion. Not only were they the most friendly and patient people, but they were willing to answer any and all questions as well as give great advice. No matter what they always made time to see us just to hang out and catch up.

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?

Within the program? Nothing. I just wish I packed less. I literally didn’t wear half the clothes I brought and purchased more clothes from cheap pop-up shops in the city!

Describe a typical day in the life of your program.

A typical day during the school week involved a quick bite in the flat before lecture or free breakfast at the Otago University Student Association (OUSA). If there was time between my lectures, I would either post in my ultimate frisbee group to ask if anyone wanted to toss or go to one of many halls or library to study. I never thought I would say it, but the library at Otago was honestly one of my favorite places. It was spacious and had food and coffee conveniently downstairs. After the day on campus was done, if it wasn't my day of the week to cook the flat dinner, I was either at UniPol for the gym or out and about for an event or late night adventure downtown.

What did you enjoy doing in your free time?

During my free time, I played for the University of Otago ultimate frisbee team. If we weren't playing pick up at Logan Park, we were traveling to some weekend tournament. Playing a sport you know from home was an interesting and a great experience to play in another country, I learned so much as a player and teammate. But if I wasn’t playing ultimate frisbee, I was wandering the Dunedin Botanic Garden, either running, reading, or exploring somewhere new. BUT if I wasn’t doing either, I was going on some sort of adventure with the Otago University Tramping Club (OUTC) or checking out everything around the city! Needless to say, if you choose to go to the University of Otago, you’ll always have something to do.

What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?

I honestly feel like I got incredibly lucky with accommodation. At Otago, if you had student housing, it is called UniFlats. These flats were very well kept with a full kitchen, laundry room, and wifi. In New Zealand, it’s common to have your own room, so not only did I have the room to myself, but it was massive. There was so much room for activities! The flat was within good walking distance from campus and literally everything else. Depending on what you filled out for your housing survey you may have been put somewhere a little more lively or something a bit more calm. And in mixed housing, I loved all my flatmates! Some were artists, some were studious, and some were active and played ultimate frisbee with me. Today, I still keep in touch and hope to see them again in the near future! Leaving my flat was totally heartbreaking when my time there was up.

What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?

Don’t be afraid of anything. Everyone from the students, to the staff are incredibly cool people. Most likely, everyone has the same agenda as you so be cool and have a good time… you’re in New Zealand! Make friends and go climb some mountains, surf some waves, or watch some sea lions at the beach.

Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?

It has been exactly two years since I left for New Zealand and again I am abroad for six months. This time, I am doing an internship with GoAbroad in the Philippines as a digital media intern promoting what I love... traveling! To say the least, I had definitely caught the wanderlust bug, and I go wherever opportunities call.

Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why?

Absolutely. If you are looking for all the help you can get before, during, and after, a great package deal with excursions to prepare you for your time abroad, and a hassle free time. TEAN is the way to go.