Arcadia Scotland

Adjusting to life in New Zealand was honestly one of the weirdest adjustment periods for me. It took me way longer than it ever has to really process that I was in a new country. Despite the distinct accents, English is a predominant and official language here, so there’s no initial shock from a language barrier. As we drove from the airport, reading every sign and hearing English all around, it almost felt like I’d just traveled to a different—though exceptionally beautiful—state in the U.S.

Being from New York City and attending school at Santa Clara University in Northern California, I've already experienced the feeling of being far from home. It's often the small, everyday things that make you realize just how different your new environment is and how many more miles you have between you and home.

1. Foot Traffic - keep left (rather than the right!)
2. On that note, they also drive on the left side of the road (and the wheel is on the
   right side of the car)
3. “Courses” are called “Papers” - they don’t use “essays” and “papers” interchangeably here
4. Tests (especially final exams) are often worth about 40-50% of your overall grade
5. Most Kiwis do not use dryer sheets, so they will be uncommon to find
6. Kiwis are New Zealanders... and the fruit... and the birds...
7. At stores, they will sometimes refer to card payments as “EFTPOS” (no idea what it stands for, but still good to know)
8. The metric system... I feel like there is not much to say here other than the U.S. has left us unprepared for this one (I use my calculator a lot at the gym)
9. The exchange rate is currently in our favor (.61 USD to 1 NZD). But, I recommend spending as if it is USD. Things add up regardless!
10. At least in Auckland, electric scooters are quite popular (and they come with helmets!?)
11. It is a hilly city, comparable to San Francisco, but much more manageable and walkable in my opinion
12. Speaking of Norcal, the weather is very similar. It is currently winter, and it is typically a low of 45 degrees Fahrenheit and a high of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The weather is all over the place. It rains quite a bit, but when the sun is out, it gets quite warm (and gorgeous!) Layers are crucial!
    
    Note: I am in the North Island! There are some differences in the South Island (like the
    weather is a bit colder there).
13. At the University of Auckland, I have noticed that so many people use purses rather than backpacks when going to class
14. Public restrooms are so well kept and seem to be everywhere... every hike I have gone on has had a public restroom (even if it seemed like it was the middle of nowhere)
15. Meat pies are a big food here, every gas station will have them, even Starbucks. And they are delicious and cheap! Definitely recommend.
16. Rugby is a huge sport here and super fun to watch. The AllBlacks represent New Zealand in the men’s international rugby union.
17. So many rainbows! Have not seen as many rainbows in my life.
18. Of course, like any other country, there are snacks and candies we don’t have in the United States... Here are some of my faves:
    ★ Caramel Tim Tams
    ★ Orange or Raspberry Lumps (Pineapple Lumps are most popular, but I don’t
    like pineapple)
    ★ MealMates (specifically the Mixed Veggie ones, they’re so good)

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to visit and live in such a beautiful country. Of course there were highs and lows, but the experiences I have had here felt once in a lifetime and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. New Zealand is definitely a must-see country, and studying abroad gives you the perfect opportunity to see it all.