I was in high school when I first decided I wanted to study abroad. I didn't know where or when or even why, but I knew I wanted to do it. After encountering a few hurdles once I got to college, I was under the impression that I wouldn't be able to travel abroad. I was heartbroken.
Then one day I walked into my adviser's office, determined to make this work. We sat down, looked at the remaining classes I had to take, and realized that I could easily go abroad and still graduate on time! I was beyond excited. The hard part, then, became deciding where.
As a Kinesiology/pre-med major at my home institution, I had a handful of destinations I could choose. I let my heart choose and left my brain out of it... New Zealand. I have always admired the country for its beautiful landscapes, the culture, and the thrill of being so far away from home. I always hoped to travel there someday, but to be able to go when I'm 20?! Dream come true.
I will be studying at the University of Otago, located on the south island in Dunedin. I was interested in this university primarily because they have the classes I need, but it's also very diverse in terms of the natural landscape. They have penguins on their beaches - how could I resist that?!
Then one day I walked into my adviser's office, determined to make this work. We sat down, looked at the remaining classes I had to take, and realized that I could easily go abroad and still graduate on time! I was beyond excited. The hard part, then, became deciding where.
As a Kinesiology/pre-med major at my home institution, I had a handful of destinations I could choose. I let my heart choose and left my brain out of it... New Zealand. I have always admired the country for its beautiful landscapes, the culture, and the thrill of being so far away from home. I always hoped to travel there someday, but to be able to go when I'm 20?! Dream come true.
I will be studying at the University of Otago, located on the south island in Dunedin. I was interested in this university primarily because they have the classes I need, but it's also very diverse in terms of the natural landscape. They have penguins on their beaches - how could I resist that?!
I leave in 65 days. That number is unreal. I have a lot to do between now and then, but I can not wait to get on the plane and start this newest adventure. While I'm abroad, I hope to learn a ton about myself, New Zealand, relating with foreign cultures and have tons of fun. I have a feeling that when I come back to good ol' Iowa, I'll be itching to hop right back on the plane.