Student Bloggers

I fall in love with Wellington more and more everyday I am here. There is something new to do every night! I don’t know how anyone could ever become bored. This city has so much to offer it’s hard to leave for the weekend. But there is more to explore!

Last post I talked about how the Arcadia group was going to the South Island for the weekend.. And it was spectacular! Who knew I would enjoy tramping in the pouring rain for 5 hours. Luckily the first day we were there and went kayaking was absolutely stunning. We saw some playful seals, moon jellies, and even heard the blue penguins! I got so excited about the wildlife I knocked my sunnies off the kayak. It was a long trip. But about 4 hours and 6 miles later we finally made it to Mistletoe Bay.

We spent the night there in the Eco Village, which turned out to be much nicer than any of us were expecting. We spent the night cooking some pasta for dinner, drinking tea, and catching up with Jane who got to come spend the weekend with us. After playing some catchphrase we all went to our rooms to get ready for bed, but one of the guys in the program came and knocked on my cabin saying we had to come outside. My girlfriends and I went out and gazed up at the sky and the stars were so beautiful I can’t even explain. I have never seen as many stars as I did that night. We could even see the milky way. It just made me even more excited for spring break and summer when I can fall asleep gazing up at the stars in my hammock. Until then I am staying in my warm Wellington bed as its still pretty chilly. A winter averaging 10 C (I am finally remembering the Celcius conversions! 10 C = 50 F) is nothing to complain about though. Recently we’ve had some beautiful, sunny days I have gotten to enjoy while not in class.

It’s difficult to remember I am here to study and not just explore.. I actually have an exam next week! Here’s a list of my courses:

• Evolution
• New Zealand Flora and Fauna
• Introduction to Literary Form
• Tourism in New Zealand

I am taking 75 points, which equals 19 US credit hours. We have very few assignments in each class, most of the grade is based off the final exam that takes place sometime with 3 weeks after classes end. The grading scale is very different though, to get a C you just need a 55%. This seems great, but I have heard it is hard to receive an A (85 and higher) since they grade very hard. I have my first exams coming up soon, so wish me luck! Apparently the Kiwis are notorious for claiming they are unprepared and didn’t study, when really they spent all night in the library. I am bringing my books to study during a trip to the Waitiomo Caves this weekend...

We’ll see how much studying I actually accomplish. ;) Cheers!

-Kenzie