Why did you study abroad with GlobaLinks at the University of Otago?
Nicholas: I decided to study with Globalinks at Otago because of two things: I had always wanted to go to New Zealand, and it was intriguing knowing that I would be just about as far away as possible from home for an entire semester. I also had a friend do the same exact program and seeing his reaction to the experience was perhaps most inspiring. Needless to say, my reaction was just as incredible.
What made your study abroad experience unique and special?
Nicholas: I could spend hours answering this question. Going to New Zealand through Globalinks made all the difference. We had the unique opportunity to have an orientation week, where we were offered a huge array of different things to do (caving, rafting, hiking, biking, seeing the hot springs). The first week of orientation must be one of my top two or three memories of my entire time abroad. The feeling of entering a new adventure like this surrounded by other people your age who are in the same position and don't know anyone is great. We had the advantage of meeting each other before we even arrived in our home town (Dunedin). I couldn't say enough positive things about Globalinks. Everywhere we went during the first week, we were met with wonderful guides, and everything seemed to be planned perfectly.
Now, besides Globalinks, my time in New Zealand was the greatest semester of my college career. The people there were incredibly friendly, and excited about meeting the international students. Another one of my favorite memories was arriving in Dunedin the first day and taking in the college town feel of environment. The other main reason my experience was special was the traveling. Being on the south island of NZ allowed for amazing travels.
I went to some of the most majestic and magical places I've ever been to including Abel Tasmin, Mt. Cook, Milford Sound, and Queenstown. There was something about New Zealand that just seemed so different from anywhere else. There was a certain type of energy, and incredible things just seemed to happen to us. I saw the best stars and shooting stars of my life, the most awe inspiring sunsets, and I will never forget having a full moon so bright that we could turn the headlights off on the car while weaving through mountain ranges on empty roads. It was wonderful to go between a rowdy and exciting college town and be immersed into nature within hours. The combination of adventuring, and meeting people from all over the world is what made my experience special.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Nicholas: The study abroad experience has certainly sparked my desire to continue traveling. I am looking for future opportunities to travel and work abroad. If I could, I would do the trip over and over again, and I want to try and find other experiences that would be similar now that I am graduating. I also have new friends from abroad who are spread out literally across the world and I plan to make visits to some of them. I am more open to new experiences in general, and now strive to have them. Another positive thing about the experience is that having it on the resume looks impressive to employers and I have had several comments about it.