Why did you choose this program?
I chose this program because ever since I was a child I wanted to go to New Zealand. I had seen a commercial about the country and it never left my mind. So, I told myself if I ever got the chance to go I would take it. My college required us to study abroad and had a program in New Zealand. I knew I was going to take the opportunity and go.
It’s funny because while I was in New Zealand people would ask why I chose to go there and how did I hear about their small country. I told them it was a dream of mine and I knew it would be beautiful so I didn’t want to pass it up.
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
My college supported me with knowing deadlines, certain travel sites that gave students discounts when purchasing their plane tickets, and provided meetings with alumni from my program to ease my nerves and answer all the questions I had. My plane was delayed or canceled and I didn't find out until I arrived, but USAC switched me to another plane automatically which was very generous and helpful. The fact that USAC was prepared and had a system in place to help their students if there was any trouble is what made me appreciate my program provider.
Once I got to New Zealand I did not hear from USAC though. Massey University’s orientation was very beneficial and allowed me to meet some of my closest friends.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
I know you have to pack smartly and not bring too many clothes, but I feel I brought too little clothes when I went abroad. Also, a huge advice that would have helped me is to save money your first two months. I spent a lot on going out with friends at night around Palmerston North, but it was a waste because Palmerston North is so small and there were so many other places to see in New Zealand. Remember to save to see as many parts of the country as you can, not just the city you’re in.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
An average week for me at Massey University was classes throughout the week, ranging from only having one course or two courses in a day. The classes were two to three hours, but professors sometimes let us out early. Sometimes I went out with friends or on a market run or just exploring the little stores in the area because they had cool postcards and souvenirs.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
My biggest fear going abroad was being in a different country without my family or friends. Everyone was very friendly there, so that was a comfortable adjustment. Then, Massey’s orientation and push for you to talk to others actually helped me make some of my closest friends. I kept running into them at different events that Massey hosted for international students. What especially helped me adjust was learning more about New Zealand. I took a Maori course which helped me learn why New Zealand flourishes the way it does. Then talking to peers in my class, going to some events, and enjoying the friendliness from kiwis and exploring the beautiful areas; it all helped me settle.
Share a moment that pushed you out of your comfort zone. How did it impact you?
I had several moments that pushed me out of my comfort zone, but one in particular is from my Creative Process course. This course combined writing, theater, film, and music. I liked it because it allowed you to explore each art and partake in it with mini assignments. Yet, the second half of the course was about choosing one of the arts and doing a performance in front of people. We were putting on a show and it was going to be graded. I am a shy person and I have never done theater. Nor had I done a performance on stage since middle school, when we're required to. This show was a challenge for me because I am a creative writer but I chose to join the music group. I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and what I knew.
I was further pushed when as a group we decided to talk about personal topics, but to reveal it in a way that somehow connected us. The music was our connecting piece, but we each told our story differently. One peer danced to the music, two other peers created a song, and another peer and I did spoken word to the music. It took a lot of rehearsing for me to memorize my lines and practice the tone of my voice to project for an audience. I was nervous, yet, after our performances I felt proud. I was proud because we successfully created a song and I shared a piece of myself to people I barely knew. I don’t like to talk about myself, I am definitely not a non-fiction writer. Yet, having this moment where I shared something personal allowed me to realize maybe I can open up. It helped me see how my voice matters.
