I would be hard-pressed to think of an experience I would recommend more than studying abroad in Wellington, New Zealand, with IFSA. The application process was straightforward, there was clear communication leading up to departure, and I left the United States with ease. Upon landing in Auckland, I was greeted by incredibly kind Kiwis who eased my jetlagged self into the country. My main point of contact, Megan, was immediately friendly and offered tons of great advice before we reached our end destination of Wellington. Once arrived, my transition to studying at Victoria University of Wellington couldn't have been more seamless; I was well prepared for my course load, and the opportunity to befriend other Americans in the IFSA group before starting classes provided me with a great social circle right off the bat. I loved the location of our housing relative to the university and downtown Wellington, and it felt highly conducive to creating meaningful connections with Kiwis and other exchange students.
Throughout my time, Megan continued to serve as an invaluable contact. IFSA provided the perfect balance of support without feeling too restrictive; I knew I could count on Megan to be there where I needed her, such as when I had to make a trip to urgent care, as well as I was able to plan and take many overnight trips out of the city and feel truly independent. Furthermore, the IFSA planned excursions were a great bonus, and the final dinner and activity together felt like the perfect culmination of my time there alongside such fascinating, wonderful people.
Overall, New Zealand was a truly transformative experience where I was able to take the reins and go on so many unforgettable adventures. A country unlike any other, and IFSA enabled me to have the perfect experience.
What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
When a group of four other IFSA individuals and I planned an overnight hike in the Tararua Range, we set an ambitious goal to do the Mt. Holdsworth circuit in two days. We planned to trek past Jumbo Hut and on to Powell Hut in one day, which was sure to be a challenging endeavor. After arriving at Jumbo past our expected time, we decided to spend the night there instead, as dangerous weather was rolling in that evening and a treacherous ridgeline traverse lay between Powell Hut and us. Unfortunately, we realized that we had forgotten all matches and lighters, meaning we had no means to cook food or warm the hut that evening. We then made the tough decision to push onwards to Powell Hut as we figured there was more likely to be other hikers there who could lend us these supplies. We had three hours of 30+ MPH winds along this ridgeline to get done, despite sunset being in two hours. We pressed onwards despite the conditions and were rewarded with some of the most breathtaking views I have ever been afforded, as the sun set over the mountains and the fields of blowing grass were golden in the fading sun's light. Eventually, after only maybe 30 minutes in the dark, we made it to Powell Hut unharmed, where other hikers were already set up and willing to let us borrow their lighters, although with some questioning of our decision to hike in those conditions. We overcame this challenge by sticking together and remaining calm and trusting our abilities. In the end, this hike was incredibly memorable, and it is surely one of my highlights of seeing the New Zealand wilderness.
