Study Abroad in New Zealand: Exploring Middle Earth

Cheers to a semester of beautiful people and places. I am keen to go back to the place I called home for nearly five months. I feel fortunate to have been able to study and play in the majestic landscape of Aotearoa (New Zealand). One of the most important things I took away from studying abroad was the need to live and grow roots in the place you are going to school. It is no vacation, but rather a test to see if you can make a home out of the place you came to.

Gaining the Confidence to Explore

By the end of this experience, I grew the confidence to set up roots anywhere. In the beginning it was tough. Instead of exploring the country, I was trying to find gluten-free bread in the grocery store. I wondered, why did I fly across the world to be in my dorm figuring out the online learning platform for the University of Canterbury? This is the reality and difference between vacationing and living in a destination. I believe this is where the growth from study abroad comes, in the puzzle of learning a new location and growing a community with new faces.

Once the foundation was laid, the fun began. Exploring the canvas in which mother nature painted so eloquently was a weekly occurrence. Weaving myself into the fabric of New Zealand society was half the learning. The experience of learning a new school system was the other half.

One of my fellow IFSA students, Kana Suzuki, said to me,

“Studying abroad in New Zealand was a surreal experience. The people I met helped me remember to live in the present and brought an atmosphere of such pure happiness. This was brought out through love, appreciation, and respect for the nature around us and the collective awe we had for the country we were in. I loved seeing how Māori culture was integrated into the city and [being] able to talk to local people about New Zealand. These past five months have [been] some of the best yet and I am forever grateful to this program!”

I am thankful to have had the privilege to explore beautiful New Zealand. I feel lucky IFSA could be there to help with the transition, while also letting me go out on my own and explore the country freely.

Robbie McKersie | University of Vermont | University of Canterbury Partnership | Fall 2024