It’s funny noticing the similarities and differences between New Zealand and home. I never felt like I grew up with a strong focus on culture and tradition, but after being in a foreign country, it became clear that all the little things we do form a culture. I immediately stand out as American because of my accent. The smallest things can point to the fact that I am an American – the fact that I automatically walk on the right side of the sidewalk but here everyone walks (and drives) on the left, the words I use in my everyday speech (flip flops instead of jandals, bathing suit instead of togs, etc.).
New Zealand is largely a non-religious country. That’s not to say that nobody is religious, but the churches are all tiny here because not many people attend church. I’m not particularly religious, so in a spiritual respect, it’s not hard to adapt to life here.
The culture of the native Maori people is actually celebrated here and integrated into modern society. That’s pretty awesome, considering that Native Americans were thrown under the bus and are still disadvantaged today – many are on welfare. At my orientation, I learned a song in the Maori language along with the corresponding dance. Many Maori papers (courses) are taught at Otago as well.
My liberal views have helped me fit in with the views of the Kiwis – apparently their conservative party is more liberal than Bernie Sanders! So far the locals haven’t asked me about American politics, but I’ve heard that American politics dominate the news here so they’re all pretty informed on American goings-on. That made me feel slightly self-conscious because I’m fairly uninformed about politics and happenings in other countries. In my orientation group of over 100 students, not a single one of us knew who the prime minister of New Zealand is, which is bad considering probably everyone in New Zealand has heard of Donald Trump. I think my time here will encourage a more global perspective on politics, culture, and life.