Story Location: New Zealand
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Q&A: Life at the University of Otago
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Interested in University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand? Spring 2023 alum Gracie Mathis has you covered! Watch her info-packed Q&A to learn about student life, where to see tiny penguins, can’t miss hikes, the best jazz night, how to meet locals, and more! https://youtu.be/LiGs0gWgt-Q Gracie Mathis | University of Puget Sound | IFSA University of…
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My Time in Aotearoa and the Legend of Māui
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If there’s anything I learned in New Zealand, it was the importance of telling and listening to people’s stories. In Aotearoa (another name for New Zealand, meaning “land of the long white cloud”), indigenous Māori have legends that have been passed down faithfully from generation to generation. To honor my short time on their land,…
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Exercising Trust While Abroad
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Moving away from your family, friends, home country, and familiarity for a semester abroad is an inherently nerve-wracking experience. When I left my life in the United States and embarked on a semester abroad at the University of Otago in New Zealand, I experienced a wide range of emotions. I was simultaneously incredibly excited for…
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A STEM Student Finds Perspective and Support in New Zealand
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Studying in New Zealand at University of Otago has helped me focus on my major—exercise sports science—and realize my studies are part of the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) umbrella. Since I have been here, I have had time to focus on the science portion of my degree and discover all the amazing support…
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Abroad in New Zealand as a Gay Student
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When I left the United States to study abroad in New Zealand, many questions ran through my head: Will I make friends? Will I get along with my flatmates? Will the courses be difficult? But I was most anxious about my sexuality. Will I be able to express myself freely? Will I feel safe walking alone?…
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Pack for a Semester in One Bag. Here’s How.
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You’re studying abroad! For me, my study abroad experience was my first time leaving the country. I had many questions on my mind: how to best travel on a budget, how to deal with homesickness, how to apply for scholarships or insurance abroad, how to get around in a foreign country, and so many more. If you are like me, you may have a similar abundance…
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A Beginners Guide to Adventure in New Zealand
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The move to New Zealand was easy enough. The people are extraordinarily friendly and my diet consisted of fish and chips, Asian food, and the muesli bars. The part of the experience that I didn’t see coming was my love-hate relationship with nature. In order to immerse myself in the local culture, I took a…
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Redefining Study Abroad for First-Gen Ethnic Minorities
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As the airport’s sliding doors opened and I felt the chill breeze caress my exhausted, yet excited self after a nonstop 14 hour flight, I began to think about the once-in-a-lifetime journey that was ahead of me. While I was admiring the scenery and imagining all of the thrilling experiences I would soon encounter, I…
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Lady and the Tramping Club: Joining Clubs in New Zealand
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Getting involved on-campus at the Victoria University of Wellington was one of the best decisions I made while studying abroad. Before arriving in New Zealand, I scrolled through a list of VUW clubs hoping to find the hiking club of my dreams. Hiking is something that I’ve always loved to do and I couldn’t wait…
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Homesickness Abroad: How To Get Over the First Month Slump
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Homesickness Abroad: How To Get Over the First Month Slump Part One: The Slump Ask just about anyone who studied abroad and they will all likely tell you the same thing: it was life changing. Ask me? I will without a doubt agree. But if you would have asked me, “How do you like study…
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