Why did you pick this program?
Of course I picked this program for many of the obvious reasons. It was a great opportunity to travel abroad, it fit in my tight schedule, and I was able to volunteer my time to conservation work. One of the most important aspects that led me to chose this program was that through ISV I was able to travel abroad with my best friend, who also happens to be my boyfriend.
I knew going to New Zealand was going to be mind-blowingly amazing, but the experience was made so much more meaningful since I had someone special to share it with. Maybe not everyone wants to go abroad with his/her boy/girlfriend but the experience can still be shared with a sibling, cousin, or a best friend.
What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?
If anyone I know is considering going abroad I do my very best to convince them to go! Going abroad is an incredible way to study a different culture, practice a new language, or just to see another area of the world and appreciate the beauty of a new location.
I also warn people who want to go abroad that if they do, they will undoubtedly get the travel bug. This means that once you travel once, you will constantly think about the next opportunity to travel again. I caught the bug when I went to Uganda, Africa, and now I am always on the lookout for new programs that take me abroad.
What made this trip meaningful to you, or how did this trip change your perceptions, future path?
During my time abroad in New Zealand I really learned to appreciate the environment. My project involved conservation work where I was able to see every step of the restoration project from collecting seeds to planting mature trees and every step in between. I knew that I was making a huge, positive impact on the world. And now, in ten years I can revisit the area I worked in and see the long-term impact that I created in the environment.
Also, during the trip my project leader chatted with the group about ways we can continue to make a positive impact at home. This really resonated with me and now I am so much more environmentally aware of my everyday decisions. Even if someone wasn't interested in conservation work, I would recommend this project because it really changed my life.
What was the most fun thing to do after completing the first two weeks of conservation work?
I don't think I could possibly choose just one event! I loved going bungee jumping on the world's first commercially used bungee bridge. It was scary but definitely something I would do again! I also had an amazing black water rafting tour through glowworm caves. Plus, I am a big Lord of the Rings fan, so going on a tour of Hobbiton was unforgettable! Basically everything I did throughout my whole time abroad was the greatest experience I have ever had.