What inspired you to travel abroad?
I wanted to learn more about different cultures around the world. Growing up, I had never been able to travel outside of the country, so a study abroad program allowed me to do so.
I also wanted to go abroad as a lesson in personal growth. I wanted to learn to be more independent in a completely new environment, such a long way from home.
Why did you choose TEAN - New Zealand - University of Otago, Dunedin program?
I chose New Zealand because, as a Biology major, I am extremely interested in biodiversity and animals in general. New Zealand has very rich ecosystems, with animals I have never encountered.
Additionally, I knew that the Maori have a rich culture, which I wanted to explore. I was able to achieve both of these goals while in New Zealand.
Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef!
What was your favorite part about New Zealand?
My favorite part of New Zealand was the beautiful nature. Everywhere you go is breathtaking, even just outside of the city.
This is very different from the US, where you have to go out of your way to be immersed in nature. I felt very connected to the outside world in New Zealand because it was everywhere and so beautiful that you couldn't forget about it.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
My experience abroad was extraordinary because I learned so much about the indigenous culture of New Zealand. I was able to take two courses in Maori studies.
I learned so much about the indigenous people and gained such a strong sense of respect for them. It made me realize we are lacking in this area in the US.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
My mentor was so amazing (Dee) she was like a mom to everyone. She was always checking on us and making sure we had what we needed.
This was very comforting, being so far away from our families. It made me feel very safe and like I was at home in a new place. I am so thankful that I got to meet Dee. I even miss her now that I'm back.
First day in Queenstown for TEAN orientation!
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
One thing I wish I had done differently when I was abroad was to start traveling earlier in the semester. I think I waited a while to start because I wanted to get acclimated to Dunedin, but I didn't realize just how fast the semester would go by.
While I did achieve everything on my list, I would've been able to see more if I had started sooner.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
My typical day was I woke up and went to my classes, then I would go for a walk around Dunedin. This got more difficult as the semester went on because it got very cold.
Then, I would often hang out with my friends that I met abroad. I would go home, make dinner, and relax. However, on the weekends, I did a lot more traveling.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I enjoyed walking around Dunedin and exploring the city. There is an area where you can walk around the marina, which I wish I had discovered sooner.
I also liked to spend time with my friends that I met through the TEAN orientation. We were very lucky, as we all lived on the same street, and it was very convenient to spend time together.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I lived in a flat. I had three roommates—two were from the US, and one was my Kiwi host.
My favorite part about it was that we had a nice, fully equipped kitchen. This was good for me because I like to cook, and it helped me save a lot of money for travels since we were not provided a meal plan.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One thing every participant should know about this program before they go abroad is what kind of school they will attend. I was very surprised when I arrived in Dunedin and found out that it was a very big party school.
I didn't feel that I was fully prepared for this, and it was not what I was expecting.
Aoraki/Mt. Cook, Hooker Valley Track
Would you recommend your program to others? Why?
I would definitely recommend my program to others. It was such an amazing experience. I felt so enriched and fulfilled at the end of it.
While there will be hard times, the amazing parts will make up for it. You will make so many friends and learn so much about yourself. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to travel to places you never thought you would be.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit of travelling abroad is that you will go to places you never thought you would go. I was able to go to Australia and Fiji while I studied in New Zealand.
I really never thought I would be able to go to these places, at least not in the foreseeable future. You will achieve so many things you never expected and be so proud of yourself.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
My time abroad impacted my life at home because it helped me gain a new sense of independence. It also gave me a new outlook on the world and made me want to strive for a better future.
It has also changed my study habits. School in New Zealand is very individually driven, and I think this has helped me in my studies at home.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel means taking in every moment, enjoying yourself, breaking out of your comfort zone, meeting people, learning about new cultures, and being accepting.
It can be hard to have real meaningful travel, especially in this day and age when everyone is always in a rush. But it is important to try to slow down.
