Kia Ora! My name is Lauren and I am a College of Education and Health Professions student, studying Recreation and Sports Management and working on getting a Marketing minor. This past summer, I got the chance to participate in the U of A Faculty-Led: Adventure Therapy and Leadership program in New Zealand.
When we arrived to Dunedin, I felt right at home. We were assigned a host family to stay with for the week. My host family welcomed me with open arms and cooked for me every night. They had a daughter of their own as well as another exchange student from Germany.
We moved around a lot when we were over there and got to explore many different parts of New Zealand. When we went to Adventure Development, we got to stay in a lodge with our group, which was a blast. On our last stop, in Queenstown, we stayed in another lodge with other tourists.
If you are traveling to New Zealand keep in mind that they drive on the other side of the road, everything seems more expensive because the price you see is the price you pay (tax is already included) and to make sure you know what season it is before you go. Since New Zealand is in the opposite hemisphere as the United States, it is always in the opposite season as us. Another thing you should remember is that New Zealanders are known for being very adventurous. While I was abroad, I was able to climb the world’s steepest hill, go bungee jumping off the Kawarau Bridge, and paraglide off a mountain. There are so many unique thrilling experiences/adventures to go on when you are in New Zealand. Make sure you budget and just go on as many excursions as you can.
If you are traveling to New Zealand keep in mind that they drive on the other side of the road, everything seems more expensive because the price you see is the price you pay (tax is already included) and to make sure you know what season it is before you go. Since New Zealand is in the opposite hemisphere as the United States, it is always in the opposite season as us. Another thing you should remember is that New Zealanders are known for being very adventurous. While I was abroad, I was able to climb the world’s steepest hill, go bungee jumping off the Kawarau Bridge, and paraglide off a mountain. There are so many unique thrilling experiences/adventures to go on when you are in New Zealand. Make sure you budget and just go on as many excursions as you can.
Overall, this study abroad experience was an adventure of a lifetime. The country of New Zealand is stunning, the hospitality is great and I found so much joy in experiencing their culture. I cannot wait to go back!
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Lauren spent the summer 2018 term in New Zealand with our U of A Faculty-Led: Adventure Therapy and Leadership program, with the help of our Office of Study Abroad Scholarship.
Lauren spent the summer 2018 term in New Zealand with our U of A Faculty-Led: Adventure Therapy and Leadership program, with the help of our Office of Study Abroad Scholarship.
Don't miss your opportunity to study or intern abroad! Start your search at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/
