Why did you study abroad with GlobaLinks in Dunedin, New Zealand?
Laura: KIA ORA!
I chose the University of Otago because of it's unique location. I wanted to see the best of New Zealand's natural environment, and since the UofO is right on the Otago peninsula, i got to see a lot of unique things (including the elusive yellow-eyed penguin!). Since we were on the South Island, it was easy to make a weekend trip to Fiordland to kayak in Milford Sound or stay in a backpackers in Queenstown. It is definitely an ideal place to study if you are studying the environment, but it has some excellent people in the departments that I studied in, like Gender and Sociology.
What made your study abroad experience unique and special?
Laura: It was so far away from home! We went to the other half of the world! That might not seem like a big deal, especially when the internet is available and you can talk to friends and family all the time, but taking that long plane ride so far away really adds to the adventure. Another reason it was so special is the amount of things there are to do! Even though i went in the winter, which doesn't afford the best beach weather, I still found tons of fun activities.
I made friends who played rugby matches on Saturdays, another of my flatmates played for the Dunedin Soccer team, plus you can take a twenty minute drive and see glow worms, or climb the Organ Pipe trail and see the entire city! there was just always so much to do. The Octogon is close as well, so if you feel like staying in the city and going shopping or having lunch, (or take a tour of the Speights brewery, which we all definitely enjoyed ;) ) that is always a good option too. There is a little something for everyone.
I also have to add that though I was in NZ for many wonderful and happy things, I was also there for a few sad ones, including the massive earthquakes that rocked Christchurch last year. My heart still goes out to the resilient Kiwi's. It was devastating, and definitely had an impact on our time in NZ, for we had many friends who had loved ones in CHCH. Some are happy stories, some less so. I visited Christchurch, and I have to say the impressions haven't left me in a year, and aren't likely to soon. Love to CHCH, love to NZ.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Laura: I went to NZ to finish a thesis i had been writing about a social issue here in the states. Hopefully including my research from NZ will allow me to include it in my future academic studies, or professional life, and will allow me opportunities to come back and be involved either with Otago or with another of the universities. As far as personally, I know I have made some lifelong friends. I have already had one of my Kiwi buddies visit me here in the States!
I'm also waiting on a parcel from another friend packed with all the goodies that i miss from NZ (tim tams, anyone?). We've already made some plans for next year: a long tour of the states, then flying to NZ to tour around a bit! We've definitely made our own USA/NZ alliance!
The last thing I will say is this: I CAN'T WAIT TO RETURN TO AOTEAROA!