Student Bloggers

Q: Why did you choose to study abroad?  

A: Coming from a family that travels for a family vacation each summer, my parents were big advocates of going abroad when offered the chance. Additionally, my university provides many opportunities to go abroad and highly emphasizes doing so. I wanted to take the opportunity to travel somewhere new while I didn’t have to worry about financing it all by myself. New Zealand became my destination as a creative writing and French major... it was a destination often on people’s bucket lists and a gorgeous place that I never imagined myself going to until I started researching about it for study abroad. 

Q: Can you tell me about what your final days abroad felt like? 

A: My final days were pretty busy as I tried to make plans with people I would not see again in that last week. Much of my time was spent finding ways to keep in contact with people, especially my Kiwi friends, whom I would probably not see again. It was nice to go into the city the last day I was there, have lunch with a friend, and discuss how our semesters went and our future aspirations after spending a term in New Zealand. It was helpful to chat and process how far we have come since arriving and the many new experiences we could have by taking the opportunity to go abroad. 

Q: What are you finding most difficult about adjusting back to your home country and typical lifestyle? 

A: I returned to the States at the end of June. The most difficult part of adjusting back home was the lack of contact with the friends I had made from my Arcadia orientation group and abroad. Fortunately, the time difference between New Zealand and Colorado isn’t that bad. Consequently, I had no issues returning to my sleep schedule and avoided jet lag. Some of my friends experienced jet lag when they returned, and I would recommend taking a break when you return. Jumping right into activities as if you never left can lead to unnecessary stress, so it is always a good idea to get back into the swing of things gradually. 

Q: Do you have any tips for students who are experiencing - or are worried about experiencing - reverse culture shock?  

A: I find it easier to get used to experiencing new things, including reverse culture shock, by creating a schedule. It is a good idea to take a bit of a break when you return home to get over jet lag and to return back home fully. Unpacking was also quite useful to ground myself as I was reminded of my friends and experiences while abroad and allowed me to take a moment to process everything. Additionally, I suggest calling and texting people who have also been abroad to discuss your experiences and find support. Writing a journal can also be useful for sorting out your thoughts and be a keepsake to look back on. 

Q: How do you plan to stay globally connected now that you are home?

A: I plan to stay in contact with my friends from abroad and those I know on campus who have traveled to New Zealand. Now that I have traveled abroad on my own and experienced many new things, I have become more comfortable doing things on my own. Consequently, I have more confidence and desire to travel and seek opportunities to engage with people worldwide. 

Q: How did study abroad help you? 

A: Studying abroad in New Zealand helped me both academically and professionally. From a few standpoints, being in a new culture, especially one that teaches and spells some words differently, impacted how I sought help and how I completed assignments. It definitely gives insight into the different ways that certain topics can be taught. Professionally, I applied for a position as an Instagram ambassador for the university, which I was able to add to my resume.

Q: What piece of advice would you give to a student looking to study abroad? 

A: I would definitely say to go for it if you can. It is a great opportunity to learn about yourself and others. There will be challenges, and facing so many new and unexpected situations can often be daunting, but you will meet fantastic people and discover more about what you want in life. The more new experiences you have, the more likely you will be able to face similar challenges head-on.

Q: What have you learned about yourself from studying abroad? 

A: I have realized that how I connect and befriend people is different from many people I met abroad. As an introvert, I spent time connecting with fewer people and more one-on-one than a group. FOMO is quite real, especially when you notice everyone else’s daily social media posts. I often found it helpful to go out of my comfort zone and try new things to combat such feelings. For instance, I tried a five-week self-defense course, Zumba, Tramping Club outings, and many others by myself, and I made some friends and had amazing experiences along the way. 

Q: If you could do your study abroad experience all over again, what would you do differently?

A: If I could do my study abroad in New Zealand all over again, I would have done more research into things to do and budgeting. Fortunately, my parents wanted me to be able to go out and do as many new things as possible. I wish I had spent more time discovering places to visit before starting the semester, as the two-week mid-term break approached quite quickly. Take an hour or two to find activities and places you want to visit, how to get there from where you are staying, and the cost. If you create a list beforehand, it gets much easier to budget and plan with people you meet.