IES Abroad Christchurch DE – University of Canterbury

Growing up in Northern Minnesota, I became accustomed to the dark and frigid winters. In the land of Ice hockey (sorry Canada), I instead picked up cross country skis and took to the trails hidden underneath the towering pines and oaks. This quiet winter wonderland of Scandinavian Americans is my home. So, when the option of studying abroad came to the table, naturally, I was interested in the Scandinavian destinations: Sweden, Norway, Denmark. Additionally, I had to study at a location where I would attend a university—one in which biology courses were offered. A list of viable programs was generated, and at the top of the list was a program in Sweden. Conveniently, it met all of my requirements; I could have stopped the search right there, but something drew me to scroll down the whole list. There were plenty of decent options, but nothing caught my attention or piqued my curiosity until I got to the very bottom of the list. It was a program in Christchurch, New Zealand of all places: Christchurch Direct Enrollment – University of Canterbury. As I sat there pondering the land of hobbitses (i.e. “Middle-earth”) this curiosity transformed into a deep desire to explore this isolated land. I dropped all commitments to study in Scandinavia and refocused my attention to this program. Now, after successfully taking part in this program, I can confidently say that was one of the best decisions I’ve made—here’s why. First, this program centers around direct enrollment at the University of Canterbury (UC). This is great for a couple reasons; for one, it is easier for students to take classes that will count towards one’s major(s)—in my case, I needed to take a microbiology course and I had no problem “finding” one that was offered at UC. On that note, classes at UC are on par with the difficulty of academics I experienced in the United States—of course, someone might find the classes easier or harder than what one has experienced in the US, but on average I would say most students will feel adequately prepared. That being said, the academic format is slightly different than what one might be used to in the US. Primarily, in most classes, there are few assessments of your learning (i.e. “homework”) throughout the semester; in most classes your final grade will heavily depend on your grade on a Final paper or exam. That being said, the grading scale is different than what I was used to in the US. For example, the grade range of an “A-” corresponds to 80–84.9%. The second reason direct enrollment at UC is great is that it allows you to connect with other students that are not in your program—kiwi students, international students, fellow biology nerds. These connections can happen in class, and they can also happen through the myriad clubs and organizations offered at UC. For example, those who are keen on trekking through the beautiful landscapes New Zealand has to offer should join the Canterbury University Tramping Club (CUTC), as outdoor gear can be rented by members, and the club takes frequent trips together. In short, studying at a UC keeps students “on track” for their respective major(s), and it allows for optimal social opportunities. Another reason this program is a good choice is that the IES program has great staff at all levels. Before I even left for New Zealand there was work to be done—paperwork, preregistering for classes, etc.—the IES staff who were responsible for answering my last-minute questions and concerns before I left for NZ were always timely and helpful (thank you Maria!) I felt confident that there were a group of people who wanted me to successfully study abroad. When I got to New Zealand, I was not surprised that the staff were equally as helpful and genuine. The program director, Candice—who was just starting as the new director—was very kind and easy to talk to. I never had the need to discuss anything serious with her, but if the need had come up, I would have felt completely comfortable discussing it with her. Moreover, she was a great person to chat with, and you could tell she actually cared and was interested in each student’s story. Upon talking with her and sharing my pre-dental plans, she was even able to set up a meet and greet with a local dentist! There was also a “right-hand man” of sorts, Fraser, who occasionally helped Candice. Fraser was a fun, witty, guy, who was quite adept at quick quips and sarcasm; but more than that he was also very helpful—and he took wonderful photos/videos of the group. I am not entirely sure he is a permanent staff member, but if he is around if you end up in this program, make sure to get to know him too. In terms of the housing options offered, there were not a lot of options. In the semester I went, all of the students in my program were housed in the Ilam Apartments—a large block of apartments, or “flats”, that house most of the international students at UC. This was nice because it was easier to meet other international students, but conversely, not many kiwi students lived in these apartments—so the only avenues for meeting kiwi people were through your classes or the clubs/organizations. I think it would be interesting to live in a homestay housing situation, to really integrate into kiwi lifestyle via a willing family. That being said, I was happy with my flatting situation, as my flat mates and I got along nicely, and we often went into town together. However, even though I had a good flat, I know some other students in my program didn’t have the same situation. So, it can be a bit of gamble as to whether your flat situation is pleasant or not. Despite this uncertainty, even if your flat situation is not what you hoped for, this is hardly a dead end—as mentioned earlier, there are other venues for meeting people, and extreme flat annoyances can often be resolved with the help of IES or the University of Canterbury. I should also mention that these flats are arraigned with five single bedrooms, two bathrooms each with a shower, and one shared living room and kitchen. For a student such as myself, who was used to sharing a small room with several roommates, I found the accommodations relatively spacious. Last—and arguably most Important—is what New Zealand had to offer. When I was considering New Zealand, I honestly didn’t really know too much about the country—I knew Lord of the Rings was filmed and produced there, I knew they were crazy about rugby, and I thought I heard there were a lot of sheep there. Well, I wasn’t wrong, but this initial assessment barely scraped the surface of what New Zealand is. First of all, New Zealand is chock-full of amazing scenery. From snow-capped mountains, to dense forests, to massive fjords, there is something spectacular everywhere you turn. For those who love the outdoors, look no further than New Zealand to satisfy your need for fresh air and natural beauty. Then there are the people of New Zealand—kiwis; they are generally very laidback and kind people. This laidback attitude and lifestyle was somewhat familiar to me, as there is a similar way of life in Minnesota. But more than that, it made it easier to be an international student learning about the country/culture, as the kiwis were never rude or confrontational in our interactions. I can recall one instance in which I was riding the bus into the city center with a couple other IES students; we were at the front of the bus and were chatting about our experience abroad—it was clear we were international students studying abroad—and when the bus stopped at its destination, the bus driver turned around and said, “I think it’s so great that you guys are here studying in New Zealand, good for you guys,” or something along those lines. We were all pleasantly surprised and began chatting with the driver. I think this interaction summarizes the people of New Zealand quite well. I should also note that English is one of the main languages in New Zealand—along with te reo Māori, and New Zealand Sign Language—so if English is your first language you will feel comfortable communicating with people and understanding most written instructions. Overall, this program was a fantastic experience; the country is beautiful, people friendly, and the opportunities for amazing memories—practically endless; this Northern boy is certainly happy he went South.

New Zealand is the most beautiful place I have had the opportunity to travel to. The mountains and coast are within a 3 to 4 hour drive of each other... The landscapes are otherworldly... gosh, honestly New Zealand holds such a special place in my heart. Studying abroad with IES was the best decision I have made thus far in my life. If you are a student looking to study overseas but still speak English, New Zealand is the best option in my opinion. If you love outdoor activities, NZ is the place for you. If you like independence, laid back-ness, and adventure, NZ is it. For blog updates on when I was there go to www.iesabroad.org/bellasantana

Program: Momma Eunice was such an amazing and sweet program director. She genuinely cared about each and one of her students and took time to meet with us one-on-one to check in on us. Eunice wanted us to have the best time of our lives. She provided tips and advice from everything to finances, local eateries, and courses to take. She was very approachable and accessible. We could call or text her about any questions that we had about anything. The intro week was also very helpful in introducing us to the country of New Zealand and learn about their culture. The field trip in the middle of the semester was a learning experience in the Cook Islands. We partook in cultural activities that I never would have thought of if I had gone there on my own. We visited a school and hung out with the children, we learned how to husk a coconut, and we also learned their cultural dance. University of Canterbury: The University has such a beautiful campus. The classes are small and it is very easy to reach out to the professors. We were integrated in with the Kiwi students. The University has many different student clubs such as the Tramping (hiking) club and I thought that was a really cool club. The way courses are run, gives students a lot of flexibility with their time. However, it was important to keep up with the big course assignments due at the end of the term since they did not really have many small assignments. Campus Housing: We lived with student from all over the world. I had 2 Kiwi roommates, 1 from the States, and 1 from France. We got our own rooms and it was fairly spacious. The housing had a lot of activities they offered in order to meet other residents. Country: Breathtaking. Most of the time, I could not believe what I was seeing. Great place for thrill seekers. It was relatively cheap too to travel around in a group. My friends and I traveled every weekend and we still did not get to everything that we wanted to. I will definitely come back.

My semester studying abroad at University of Canterbury through IES Abroad was one long road trip, both literally and figuratively speaking. Literally, it was a semester full of spontaneous weekend (and weekday, sometimes) road trips. These trips taught me so much about myself, about others, and about this incredible, diverse country. These trips pushed me mentally and physically, made me overcome fears and build trust in myself and in others, encouraged me to engage in meaningful conversations, and made me appreciate this beautiful, wild world we live in and learn what I can do to help preserve it. Over the 5 months I spent down under, I summited numerous mountains, become a vegetarian, had yarns with people old and young from all over the world, jumped off a mountain, drank way too much goon (bagged wine), swam with dolphins (and sharks), and put thousands of kms on Gus (my beautiful car that I bought my first month in NZ). Figuratively, it was a journey with many ups and downs. It was not always easy being away from home – my younger brother graduated this year and for the first time (ever???) I felt homesick. Further, it was not easy balancing school and travel – especially since classes aren’t mandatory and there is SOO much to do and see in this country! However, there is no doubt there were many more “ups” than “downs”. And when there were downs, IES Abroad and the other study abroad students gave me all the support I needed. 10/10 would recommend studying abroad in NZ with IES Abroad.

I absolutely loved my study abroad experience in Christchurch, New Zealand! Everything from the pre-departure information, to the orientation week on campus, to the planned program activities throughout the semester was handled by IES so well. From the second I arrived in the foreign land, I felt welcomed. I learned much more about myself and about the world than the content taught in my courses could have showed me. During breathtaking hikes, I had long moments of silence and reflection. During transiting experiences (that I was not used to because I have always had a car), I became more comfortable traveling alone and much more independent. In the housing arrangements, I had the opportunity to meet great people from all over the world. Don’t get me wrong, my study abroad experience definitely did carry with it some unique challenges, and I’m sure anyone who has studied abroad would say the same, but the tremendous growth in so many areas that I felt far outweighs any difficulties. Studying abroad gave me an enhanced global perspective. It allowed me to reflect on life in America. It showed me that there is much more to the world than what I had previously believed. It also increased my passion for traveling (although this is a difficult passion to manage while a student). I truly miss New Zealand and cannot wait to go back to the Land of the Long White Cloud someday soon.

Christchurch is (in my unbiased opinion) one of the best places that someone could study abroad. IES makes it so easy to do - the application is simple, and people are always ready and eager to answer any questions you have. Once in Christchurch, you'll have the most amazing program director, Eunice, who can answer any and all question you have about New Zealand! There are so many small trips with the program that are incredible at showing you things about New Zealand - seeing native birds at a local wildlife sanctuary, and even a field trip to the Cook Islands! Being on the South Island, Christchurch is the perfect base location for any adventuring you want to do in the country, and if that's something you're interested in, the city itself is fascinating and ever-changing as it rebuilds after the 2011 earthquakes. I can't wait until I can get back to this amazing city!

While studying abroad can be one of the most exciting parts of your college career, it can also be pretty daunting! The thrill of having the opportunity to explore a new place can be both invigorating and overwhelming. In the Fall of 2015, I studied abroad in Christchurch, New Zealand through IES. While we were preparing to go abroad, IES provided us with a mentor whom we could email to ask any questions we had. My mentor based out of Chicago was so helpful, kind, and understanding, and really helped calm my nerves while preparing for such a big trip. Additionally, when arriving in NZ, we were so supported by the IES personnel stationed there. They helped us transition into a new country with a level of ease that I likely would not have had if I had not had their support. Additionally, the trips the sponsored over the weekends and school breaks truly added to my experience of NZ by deepening my understanding of the country and giving me opportunities I otherwise would not have had!

Study abroad came at a time in my life when I needed to take a step back and reflect. I was hoping for inspiration and adventure to re-invigorate my life. My time in New Zealand not only provided these things, but my experiences impacted me in ways I didn't expect. IES created a safe environment in an unknown place that allowed the logistical fears of study abroad to be a non-factor. Additionally, the program provided me with experiences I wouldn't have otherwise been aware of. I couldn't have pointed to the Cook Islands on a map until enrolling in the program, yet, the spring break trip to the Cook Islands was easily the highlight of my semester! If your looking to experience the world's beauty and take a step back from stressors this program is for you.

I had the most incredible experience in New Zealand, and choosing to study abroad through the IES Program was a decision I'm so glad I made. Preparation for my semester abroad started long before I boarded the plane, and the IES Program was there with an advisor to answer some questions that I had. The IES website is also very informative, and I got a lot of relevant information from other students' blogs. What appeals to me (and my family) most about the IES program is how organized it is. This company knows what it is doing! If there is anything to be alarmed about, the program emails our families. There was a bit larger-than average size earthquake at one point in Christchurch and IES emailed my family just to inform them and let them know everything was safe and okay. The program director for Christchurch is extremely informative, helpful, and kind. (Shout-out to Eunice!). She was the mom of our group and it was really comforting to have her insider knowledge of Christchurch and her assistance with any questions we had there with us from the start to the end of our program. In addition, I really appreciated the NZ orientation that took place before we started the academic semester, and the spring break field trip to Rarotonga, Cook Islands. That was a magical place/cultural experience that I'm not sure I would have had time to visit otherwise, and I'm so happy I got the chance to through IES. Choosing to study abroad through the IES Program gave me the chance to know a group of people from all over the United States that I had a chance to connect with before the semester started. I appreciated having a group from the US that shared similar experiences to me as a student studying in another country. I highly recommend studying abroad through IES!

I had an amazing time studying abroad in Christchurch through IES. First off, the IES staff back in the US were helpful leading right up to when I left for New Zealand, and, Eunice, the program director in Christchurch, was so nice. She was always willing to talk or help you figure out scheduling, things to get involved in the community, etc. - she's great and made all of our IES meetings fun. There is really only one negative thing to say about my semester in Christchurch. For housing, all IES students live in international student apartments. You may have a kiwi flatmate or two, or a few flatmates from various countries throughout the world, but you may also get flatmates from the US. I got along great with my US flatmates and spent a lot of time with them, but it would've been fun to live with locals. If you didn't explore the Ilam Apartments or branch out from them, it could be really hard to meet kiwis or to feel like you're a part of the community. Otherwise - the apartments were nice and quite spacious. The semester offered plenty of time for traveling but also for exploring Christchurch which is a great city especially once you get to know it. I'd definitely take a few weekends and just spend them in Christchurch. Traveling around New Zealand is great, but there is so much around UC like Sumner Beach, Port Hills, Akaroa, etc. Christchurch is a great, easy city to live in. The best way to meet and befriend kiwis was to join clubs and to get out into the community. There are a ton of sport clubs which are great and have fun outdoor trips nearly every weekend. There are also clubs like Student Volunteer Army which hold volunteer events every weekend and even a few trips throughout the South Island. SVA is great because a ton of international and local students are a part of it and it is a great way to get involved in the community. I'd also highly recommend volunteering at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve if working with animals is of interest to you. It was a great way to meet Christchurch locals and you get to care for a bunch of different animals (wallabies!). Overall, it was an incredible semester. Planning and executing travel is pretty easy within New Zealand and you definitely have a lot of time to do so. There are so many tracks, lakes, coastal towns, etc. that are just great to hike around and explore. I felt safe everywhere I went and met so many helpful kiwis. It was incredible getting out there and seeing New Zealand but also finding at home in Christchurch!

From the moment I stepped off the plane in Christchurch, New Zealand, I felt cared for by IES. The program director, Eunice, expressed such great care and love for all of us throughout the duration of the program. She planned a fantastic orientation that not only familiarized us with the city of Christchurch, but also took us on a field trip that exposed us to the more rustic side of New Zealand complete with mountains, caves, and canyons. She met with all of us individually at the start and end of the semester. She organized an incredibly budget-friendly field trip to the island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands over one week of Spring Break. She was both our Kiwi mother and first Kiwi friend. I never regretted my decision to study abroad in Christchurch. I will admit I was a little nervous as to what condition the city would be in when I arrived, if the effects from the 2011 earthquake would still be evident. And to be honest, the destruction caused by the earthquake is still very obvious in the city center; construction can be found around almost every corner, and vacant lots are innumerable. However, the earthquake also seemed to ignite a spirit of determination in the residents of Christchurch that no number of earthquakes could destroy. The city has become a hub of innovation, with green spaces, modern art pieces, and even a site affectionately known as the “Dance-O-Mat” filling the vacant lots while they await construction. There is no shortage of activities, museums, festivals, and parks in Christchurch. To me, it was the perfect “happy medium” city. Because of its location and size, traveling to other parts of the South Island and even the North Island was relatively simple. If you desire to really get to know your host city as well as travel frequently around your host country, Christchurch could be the perfect home base for your study abroad!

I probably spent more time using my sleeping bag than my actual bed during my semester at Canterbury. With all of the amazing hikes, adventure sports and stunning scenery everywhere you go, it's hard to not to be out there at every possible moment. Christchurch's central location really makes it easy to spend most of your weekends discovering it all. Surprisingly though, I think one of the best parts about studying at Canterbury was student life on campus. There was always a variety of things going on, from tramping expeditions to casual barbecues to upscale balls. All the clubs are also extremely inclusive in the sense that you can join anything that interests you, no matter who you are or what experience you have. The best decision I made this semester was getting involved with UCCC, the white water kayaking club at UC. I went into the first kayaking trip not knowing what I was getting myself into, but I'm so glad that I did. UCCC allowed me to meet some of the funniest and most helpful people around, while learning a challenging and exciting new sport in the process. Everything about the trips, from kayaking down insane rapids to the banter around the campfire, was absolutely fantastic. Highly recommend. The only qualm I had about the entire semester was the housing. You're placed in Ilam Apartments, which are great in terms of amenities and cleanliness, but mainly international students live there. While it's still easy to get out and meet kiwis through clubs and classes, going back home to other Americans can be strange. However, this did make it really easy to find people to travel with!

My semester abroad was even better than I had hoped for. People in New Zealand are so friendly, and the country is extremely beautiful. I did lots of traveling and hiking with people I met, especially in the South island. The country is super safe, you can stay in hostels for pretty cheap, and it is easy to get a bus ticket for pretty much anywhere you want to go. The program director is super nice and helpful. I noticed that students in the IES program were better prepared and knowledgeable than people who used other study abroad programs. In the first week of being there is a trip & a number of activities like city scavenger hunt so you get to know the other people in your program, know your way around Christchurch, and learn about the city and school. This made it a super easy transition. The IES trip during semester break to Rarotonga was so well planned out and one of the most fun weeks of the semester. The flats that you live in are nice (5 people, 2 bathrooms, plus a kitchen & living room). It is nice to live within close proximity to others and it is also a good way to get to know more people, both study abroad and local students. I really liked the University of Canterbury, I took upper-level business classes & with careful planning was able to get full credit from my home university. My study abroad experience was very wonderful. It was honestly so much better than I had imagined. I was able to visit many neat places, make many friends from NZ & around the world, and really experience life in Christchurch. I HIGHLY recommend this program.

New Zealand is a great place to study geology and spend lots of time outdoors. Christchurch is still fairly quiet for a city, as it is still recovering from recent earthquakes, but living there for a semester proved to be a very good experience. It was a good cultural experience to see how the city has responded to the earthquakes and come together as a community. I was initially very disappointed to learn that IES had discontinued the homestay option for this program, but in the end I was very satisfied with my student apartment, which was a great way to meet other students and engage in university social life. Some students in my IES group did manage to arrange a homestay, but they had to arrange it themselves without any help from IES. The IES program was often quite disorganized, but the on-site program director, Eunice, was wonderful and was always very approachable and willing to help. The best part about studying abroad with IES was the organized mid-semester trip to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. It happened to rain a lot while we were there, but Eunice managed to reorganize our scheduled activities so that we managed to fit everything in (Biking, snorkeling, hiking, etc.) As a direct-enrollment program, this program is best for people who are able to take their own initiative to interact with the local culture and people.

New Zealand is an incredible country. The people are welcoming, friendly, and extremely genuine, and the landscape and outdoor environment are breathtaking. I choose this program largely based on a love of the outdoors, and a desire to explore the natural environment. I was able to do that as well as experience a new culture and lifestyle. The IES staff was wonderful, and helpful at each step of the way. The mid-semester trip coordinated by IES to the Cook Islands was a great opportunity as well, one that would not have been available on my own. My time in NZ was memorable and momentous.

I chose New Zealand because it’s a country that speaks English and it was affordable. I also chose it because it’s a country you typically wouldn't travel to later in life. I also chose it because I love nature and I knew I would be outside a lot if I went there. It was also a much smaller program than Auckland which I liked. I lived in Ilam Apartments, which were really conveniently located. I lived with 2 Kiwi boys, a Kiwi girl and an independent study abroad girl from NYC. We each had our own room, which was bigger than I expected. Only the 6 person apartments had laundry machines, and those people are usually really good about letting others come over and do theirs for free. Biggest challenge? Budgeting. I wanted to go everywhere and do everything and experience as much as I could. Things added up though. I prioritized saving my money for travelling rather than going out to eat, buying a lot of alcohol, or buying clothes. A great website to help you score major deals on activities while in a different city is bookme.co.nz This website is a lifesaver! Captain Bens, Dominos, Spagalimis, and Pepe’s are cheap places to eat. Kmart in the mall is the cheapest place to buy necessities. Pak-n-Save is the cheapest grocery store followed by Countdown, followed by New World. Definitely get a metro card, it saves a lotttt of money in the long run. It was nice to have support and a guaranteed group of friends when you first get there. Orientation was a blast, you get to go jet boating for free, and you get to go to places around Christchurch you might not think to go to. There were meetings once a month to check in, always with free food. Also, the Rarotonga fieldtrip that IES gives us the opportunity to go on was by far one of my top experiences. It was probably at least 1/3 of what it would cost to go independently and you wouldn't be as integrated with the locals and their culture. The one downfall to IES was that we weren't allowed to rent or drive cars. Naked Bus can get expensive and limit where you can go/where you can stop along the way. It could be difficult since they drive on the other side of the road and on the other side of the car but after being a passenger for a while it looked natural and instinctual. Gas was expensive but if you ride with 4 or 5 people it will still be cheaper than taking the bus everywhere (and much more enjoyable). Also, it could be a little unorganized in the beginning. I had no idea where I was living (what apt #), with whom, how many people, or anything like that until I arrived at Ilam. Another difficult thing was getting there by 12pm. I had to leave my house at like 3am to time it correctly. A later time would have been more convenient. With all that being said, I absolutely loved my experience. I got so much out of it and I will never ever forget my time there. It's life changing.

I had the time of my life in NZ, memories that I would cherish forever and ever. Eunice, the IES program director is beyond words. She helped make the experience as wonderful as it was. I learned so much academically, culturally, and about myself. I made friends for a lifetime, and I miss my time there each day. I would give it a 11 out 10. If you are looking for a friendly, adventurous, English-speaking country, NZ is the place to go.

This program was perfect. As an inexperienced traveler, I was nervous about going half way around the world. The program director, Eunice was an absolute sweety, she made us all feel at home and was easily accessible if needed. The people I lived with were all welcoming and we had some great conversations about the differences between our cultures. The other people on the program were friendly as well, all 18 of us got along well. It was a great experience being in the university itself as opposed to an IES center that you would be in in most other countries. I felt like I really got to experience what it was like to be a Kiwi student in the academic as well as social aspect. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything.

The best part of studying abroad in New Zealand was being able to see a variety of landscapes all in close proximity to each other. Glaciers, volcanoes, mountains, and oceans were were just hours away. IES was an extremely great way for me to meet the people who are now some of my very best friends. IES’s orientation allowed me to get to know people, make friends, and feel at home within just a few days. Also, living in Middle Earth is something I will never be able to forget. IES Christchurch was an amazing program, but there are a few flaws. IES Christchurch did not permit the students to drive cars. This was quite difficult, because the buses take many hours longer to reach a destination than a car, due to the constant stops the buses have to make. Taking a bus can get quite expensive, and buses do not allow you to stop, take pictures, and explore places that you find interesting along the way. IES was also not very organised when I first arrived. I was not given information about where I would be going on the orientation trip and what I would need until a couple of days before. Even when I was given a sheet of what to bring, I was still confused about what activities would be occurring for my week in Springfield. I absolutely loved my orientation, but I remember worrying that I would not bring the proper clothes and supplies for the activities, because of the lack of details. I brought everything that I needed, but I do wish that I brought more sweaters and a better variety of footwear. I ended up having to purchase Ked-like shoes to walk around campus, because I only packed my LL Bean boots, sneakers, flip flops, and a pair of oxford flats. I also did not realize how chilly it would become in New Zealand toward the end of my Spring program. I ended up purchasing a new hoodie and wearing the same sweaters. It is difficult to pack for a place where the weather can be four seasons in one day. Definitely bring a rain jacket, rather than an umbrella, everywhere you go, because it tended to rain randomly each day for short periods of time. This experience has made me see the world in a whole new light. I now realize that I have a strong travel bug. My time abroad made me recognise that I definitely want to move abroad directly after college. Now that I have experienced living independently all the way around the world from my family and friends, I have realized that I can live anywhere. I am now looking into practicing occupational therapy in different countries, because I shadowed occupational therapists in an assortment of settings, such as an acute care facility and a forensic psychology hospital, while abroad. I want to combine my love of occupational therapy and my strong interest in different cultures by moving and working abroad. I do not want to be stuck in one place, and travelling abroad will open a variety of professional and personal opportunities for me.

It's extremely difficult to pinpoint my favorite or most memorable experience, but one of my favorites was climbing in the Port Hills, just outside of Christchurch. With a few friends from the program, we spend the entire day on the rocks - probably 8 hours or so. It was challenging yet rewarding, and we were completely immersed in it. We also enjoyed a beautiful sunset over the harbor, with the Southern Alps glowing purple, as the sun descended. I lived in student flats with other international students. Everyone had their own bedroom, and a shared kitchen and bathroom, plus a living room area for each flat [3-6 people per flat]. I lived with another girl from the US, a guy from Singapore, a guy from China, and a guy from Auckland.