How did you decide which country/program to study abroad in?
When deciding where to study abroad, I had a few deciding factors: the size of the program, the uniqueness of the program (is it a common study abroad destination?), and what activities did I want to have access to fill my time. I ultimately chose the IES New Zealand program because it’s a small, tight-knit community that I knew would give me an individualized experience in an amazingly unique country.
What were you excited about and/or nervous about before your program?
Having lived alone for three years, I was nervous about moving into a five-bedroom apartment with total strangers. On the other hand, I was stoked about the IES-sponsored six-day trip to Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
How do you think the intersections of your identities and values impacted your study abroad experience? Do you have any tips to share with future study abroad students?
Early in my study abroad, I was introduced to Aotearoa’s native Māori culture and began to learn Te Reo Māori (the native language). This impacted my study abroad experience by strengthening my connection and love for New Zealand. A tip I would share with future study abroad students is to find something you love about the country and learn more about it because you will cherish that connection forever.
Could you articulate one personal/professional/academic goal you achieved while abroad?
One academic/professional goal I made was to shadow someone in my career field (neuroscience) so I have a broader, world-view perspective. One of my professors just so happened to be the imaging manager at the New Zealand Brain Research Institute, so he allowed me to shadow him for five hours’ worth of MRI scans and even get my own MRI scan. I’m so glad I went out of my comfort zone to ask because this is an experience I’ll cherish forever.
What do you wish you knew before you studied abroad?
Something I wish I knew before I studied abroad is that its O-KAY for life to move on while you’re gone. Take advantage of the moment you are currently in, not what’s going on back home.
