GlobaLinks - Study Abroad at the University of Auckland

Interview with Aaron Jawson, AustraLearn alum

GO: Why did you decide to study abroad with AustraLearn in New Zealand?

Aaron: I decided to study abroad in New Zealand because I have an affinity for nature and New Zealand culture is focused on the outdoors. I also wanted to experience a new educational system in an exciting setting, so Auckland looked like a perfect place. Australearn had a program that looked just right for me. The application process was straightforward and my Australearn coordinator was excellent in answering all of my questions along the way. Before I knew it, I was in Auckland walking around the beautiful campus. The students and staff were very friendly, as most Kiwis are.

A View of Auckland from Mt. Eden

GO: What made your study abroad experience unique and special?

Aaron: I was able to find adventure nearly every day whether it was in the city of Auckland our out in the bush; there was never a dull moment in NZ. I met people that I will be close with for the rest of my life. I experienced nature on an incredible level by going to black sand beaches, hiking volcanoes, exploring caves, traveling fiords, and much more. I connected with and learned so much about the country's culture, from hanging out with locals to visiting museums. The Maori relationship with nature acted as a true inspiration for me. The people, the places, and the experiences were a dream come true.

Aaron admiring a beach near Auckland

GO: How has this experience impacted your future?

Aaron: As an aspiring teacher, gaining a new perspective on the educational system was eye-opening and helped me develop as an educator. It also allowed me to reflect on what I like about the American system and what I do not like, as I had something more tangible to compare it to. I was also able to expand my network worldwide. Specifically, if I pursue working in New Zealand, I have people I can call. I learnt more about myself and independence. I am more confident in my ability to adapt to any situation I find myself in. I think any career can benefit in similar ways.

Aaron with friends just before a hike up Mount Taranaki

Kristina Polk Interview, GlobaLinks alumna in Auckland

GO: Why did you study abroad with AustraLearn at the University of Auckland?

Kristina on a canyoning trip

Kristina: As a declared History major, I had taken several courses studying American, Latin American, and Asian cultures. When considering the different options of where to go abroad, I had to think about what I wanted to gain from the experience. Would I want to expand my knowledge of a region I was already familiar with through study or previous travel? Or should I learn something new? An English speaking location or should I become bilingual through immersion? What kinds of activities are available in that region that I likely would not find in America? All these questions led me to the opposite side of the globe: New Zealand.

At the time of deciding where to study, I knew the anxieties of language barrier would likely take away from my personal experience, especially when I had such a short amount of time. The South Pacific was an entire region of the world that I had never encountered in my studies. From being at a liberal arts college, I had grown to appreciate gaining a well-rounded world view in the sense of sampling all the elements an academic focus has to offer. Albion College had several programs approved through AustraLearn. I decided not to go to Australia because I felt I was somewhat more familiar with that culture than Kiwi culture. Prior to researching NZ, I had only heard of Maoris briefly. The more research I did, the more I realized how little I knew. I chose Auckland because it seemed like a central location in the country. I had also never lived in a city before and felt it would be beneficial.

GO: What made your study abroad experience unique and special?

Kristina: An undying love and appreciation for New Zealand grew in me by the end of this experience. I also developed an appreciation for my hometown and a drive to better understand American culture. After studying New Zealand's history and culture, I wanted to better understand my own nationality and identity.

Partaking in numerous outdoor activities (hiking, camping, rafting, kayaking, canyoning, etc.) was a whole new experience for me, as I had never hiked before and only been camping once. I now treasure nature in a whole new way and now try to pursue outdoor activities whenever possible. I expected to enjoy the scenery, but of course it far surpassed what any book or website could describe.

Hiking the Mueller Hut path nearby Mt. Cook in the South Island

One thing that I did not expect to be a unique experience was my encounter with music. Never before had I heard of "busking." I had heard of street performing, but those playing on Queen Street seemed to have a different drive. They were not just performing; they were also enjoying their music. Several Americans and Kiwis I encountered would often meet just to jam and I loved listening to their artistic talents mix together to constantly create something new. I had been involved in music since childhood, playing the flute in school bands and orchestras. Never before had I appreciated the art of jamming. Taking the time to stop and talk to Kiwis busking downtown gained me a couple local friends and an insight into their culture.

GO: How has this experience impacted your future?

Kristina: Professionally and academically, this experience helped to solidify what I truly want to do in the future. At the time of going abroad, I had worked as a Resident Assistant (RA) for three semesters. I knew I wanted a future in a Students Affairs office, but did not know which one. After having several international students as residents, planning and going abroad, and talking with other students, I realized I wanted to work in a campus office of study abroad and/or international student recruitment and advising.

Study abroad is the most comprehensive experience any individual can take part in and it would be a dream for me to assist those future students. In a classroom setting, students abroad have the common goal of academic success with students in their host country. Studying new skills and topics through analytical discussions and assignments create a better understanding of that region. This fall, I will be moving to Boston (from Michigan) to attend Northeastern University and study College Student Development and Counseling. I am seeking graduate assistantships in Multicultural offices around the Boston area to make my dream a reality.

Personally, I learned a great deal about the importance of relationships with other people. Making friends and communicating with family was always something I had taken for granted and given little thought to. This was a lesson I was unprepared for as friendships were formed much faster than I had previously experienced and we were all in an unnatural environment. Not only did I learn a lot about people while abroad, but my return home also taught me a lot about friends and learning about each other.

The reverse culture shock of coming home was in interacting with people. It seemed that they were unaware of the past semester and what I had been through. They seemed unchanged while simultaneously alien to me. From being abroad, I quickly learned how to adapt back to home life, but was much more aware of my role in various relationships. For the future, my personal life has been greatly affected as I lost and gained important friendships.

While abroad, I met my current boyfriend (an American who studied with the Arcadia program). It has been a phenomenal relationship and as we approach our one-year anniversary (the end of April), I am constantly reflecting on how much we have grown and changed, during and since NZ. During the fall 2011 semester, he actually choreographed part of a dance using styles he learned in a Kapa Haka class at Auckland Uni. I attended the performance at his university and was instantly filled with so many happy memories.