Love, love, love NZ!!

I was an intern at Child, Youth, and Family in Porirua (just outside of Wellington) and it was one of the most amazing experiences! Our group immersion was in Rotorua consisted of tubing in caves with glow worms, learning how to do the haka, and plenty of good information on how to explore the country safely and thoroughly.

After our immersion, we left for our internship sites, and I saw our apartment, which was basically the penthouse of a downtown apartment building, very close to everything Wellington had to offer. My roommates and I went to the Wellington 7s and had an amazing time dressing up and fitting in with the locals.

At my internship site, I got real hands on experience of working at a social service agency. It made me appreciate what I had, and made me want to help others more. The social workers that I worked alongside were super supportive not just in the workplace, but also trying to get me integrated into the Kiwi lifestyle. This internship provided the reassurance that I needed to follow my dreams. I am now in a master's program in social work, hoping to make a difference in the lives of our American children and hopefully child abroad as well.

In NZ I visited Rotorua again to visit all the geothermal sites, Auckland, Napier, and took a tour of the South Island, which absolutely amazing. I did the 134m Nevis Bungy in Queenstown, swam with wild dolphins in Kaikoura, and hiked up Fox Glacier. I have countless stories about how amazing NZ is. It would take a lifetime to explore all the gorgeous nooks and crannies. I am definitely planning a trip back to NZ in the future!