Weekly Blog #14

When I first arrived in New Zealand, I was stressed. I had so many questions about what life would be like, 

what school would be like, what trips I would take, and if I would like it. Honestly, I hadn't done a ton of

research about New Zealand or the surrounded area before deciding to come. I knew they had a good Biology

program (a necessity) and I knew it was outdoorsy and beautiful (two other necessities). 

Now, I look at New Zealand as a place I can call home. I felt comfortable traveling around the city on my own, 

going grocery shopping or running errors in the city. I feel confident and not as if I am in a foreign city, but a 

city that I know and I am fully a part of. 

When I first arrived, I thought the city was huge. I thought it was so complex and filled with different

neighborhoods and various suburbs, I wasn't sure how I was going to explore and do it all. Although, my first

impression of the city was that it was very clean and bright, filled with a mix of people from all over the world. 

These reminded consistent, I only discovered more and more about the city as time went on. 

However, the city was not so complex after awhile. I knew where to go for the best restaurants, or best day

time activities in the city. By the time my parents came to visit, it was easy to explain to them what to do and 

plan out their time in Auckland. 

There are a lot of ways that my time abroad will impact my life in the United States when I return. For one, I will

be a lot more independent . I do not feel like I need to rely on people to cook my meals, or go grocery

shopping for me, or to do my laundry. I feel like I have the capability to travel on my own, and make critical

decisions without second guessing myself. 

I also think my time abroad will encourage me to travel more. I loved my time abroad and it made me realize

how much I love to explore, experience other cultures and see other nations.

Although I love to travel, my time abroad also made me realize how much I love home. I did miss home when 

I was away, and being so far away from important events was something I had never experienced. Being

abroad taught me that although there are amazing places to experience and explore, ultimately I want to live 

close to my family and friends. 

Studying abroad was an amazing experience. I loved spending time in a new culture, new city, and

experiencing the most independence I have yet too. I had a ton of fun, and learned a lot about a different

world than my own. 

I will truly miss the time I spent in New Zealand, but I look forward to what is to come! I am grateful that I had

the amazing opportunity to spend a semester in New Zealand.