Do you feel you got a chance to see the city from a local’s perspective?
Alexandra: Christchurch is a city in flux, continuously changing and [re]developing, especially after the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. While it still lacks a central downtown district and ‘city’ feel, it has a lot to offer, and provides a unique glimpse into what it looks like to rebuild a city. Living there gave me taste of what locals are experiencing during this transitionary time.
One of my courses explored community engagement in a university setting, and specifically addressed groups and organizations that sprung up in response to the reorganization of the city post-quakes. We worked with groups that endeavored to improve empty public spaces and groups that aided those with inadequate home insurance to repair their damaged homes. Being involved in these activities gave me sense of the challenges locals face there, but also the spirit of community that exists as a result.
What was the best place you visited outside of your study abroad city?
Alexandra: In a country as spectacular as New Zealand, it is nearly impossible to choose a singular ‘best’ place I visited. Areas that top the list include hiking the Abel Tasman coast track on the northern tip of the South Island for 4 days, tramping through the Arthur’s Pass area of the Southern Alps Mountain Range, and visiting Fiordland and witnessing the majesty of Milford Sound.
However, I did particularly enjoy the opportunity to do some outdoor climbing at Castle Hill, a basin filled with limestone outcrops ideal for the bouldering style of rock climbing. Is was quite different from indoor climbing, and presented a challenge wherein I had to adapt my approach to suit the environment. The reality though, is that I only wish I had been able to explore more of the landscape and natural beauty of the country.
Tell us about an experience you had that you could not have had at home:
Alexandra: One experience that was especially unique was visiting Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. The trip was organized by my study abroad program, IES Abroad, and partially subsidized by them as well. It was an opportunity I would not have been able to experience on my own.
I was able to experience the culture of the Cook Island Maori people, learn how to husk a coconut and climb a coconut tree, visit a primary school, and sail on a traditional double hulled canoe called a waka. The experience was invaluable, and exposed me to another culture and way of life, not to mention being located in what was essentially a tropical paradise.
What made this study abroad experience unique and special?
Alexandra: I hold studying abroad as one of the best experiences of my life. After my program formally concluded, I stayed on in the country for about two months, traveling and Wwoofing [participating in a program - world wide opportunities on organic farms]. This time allowed me to continue to explore the country through hiking and traveling, in addition to allowing me a more intimate interaction with Kiwis [New Zealanders].
One of the things that has stuck with me about my experience is the nature of the people; they are genuine, hospitable, and truly welcoming. The overall atmosphere of the country follows suit with these characteristics. It is the interactions and conversations I had with them, as well as the opportunity to be in sublimely beautiful places that I hold as the most valuable and meaningful aspects of my time abroad.