Why did you choose this program?
My school, Champlain College, has developed a partnership with AUT. This made coming here not only extremely accessible, but simple in terms of including it in my schedule without delaying graduation.
Kenneth and Elberta came to our college a year before I came, and I was COMPLETELY sold! They were fun, kind, and I left the class feeling giddy about all of the possibilities.
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
We organized our flights and transportation on our own, but AUT was very helpful with class selection and was extraordinarily responsive to all of our questions. Sam Davis, our Study Abroad Advisor, was quick to answer emails and ensure that we got all of the information and forms we needed for visas.
AUT provides your offer of place, and if you are on top of things you can get accommodation through AUT. Though you need to organize trips on your own, AUT has a club that does trips and provides information during orientation. The International Student orientation is able to answer any and all questions students have!
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Besides being INCREDIBLY organized, be all there with your experience. Keep a journal, take lots of pictures, and write about what you experience.
The time goes by more quickly than you can possibly understand - leave your problems and worries behind as much as possible and really immerse yourself in New Zealand.
Your life will be forever changed and so much more joyful.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
I was able to choose an AMAZING schedule. I only had classes on Tuesdays/Thursdays, and four Mondays of the semester. Even with my Tuesday/Thursday classes, I had plenty of time to enjoy Auckland and do any work, leaving my weekends free to do as I please.
As an education student, I arranged a volunteering opportunity with a local primary school, where I am on Wednesdays and Fridays all day. It is very easy to take weekend trips, or enjoy the weekend in the city where you can relax or have some fun partying!
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it and/or how did your views on the issue change?
I have grown up very close with my family, and leaving them to go to the other side of the planet in another hemisphere for four months was TERRIFYING. I spent two whole days before crying, afraid that something might happen while I'm gone.
This fear is still present, but honestly, I just put it to the back of my head by having as much fun as possible. Every moment I spend here, I know my family worked hard for and wants me to enjoy. So by completely throwing myself into this and avoiding reminiscing about home, I have been able to relax about my fears for the most part.
What is the most beneficial part of studying abroad?
I have wanted to come to New Zealand since I was a child, and the pride I have experienced from making this dream come true is unparalleled. I have grown so much from this experience, and it has honestly completely revolutionized how I see the world.
From walking barefoot over two kilometers of rocks and mud to get to a stunning secluded beach, to meeting friends that will hopefully be in my life forever, my heart has swelled full of love and wonder at the world we live in. My life dreams have developed from being here, and I have found the place I would hopefully like to settle down. If I could relive these months over and over, I would.