Kia Ora!
My time here in New Zealand has been nothing short of exciting! There has been so many things that have opened my eyes and cultured me in a way I never thought possible. There have also been moments of shock and hurdles to overcome. For the most part, the culture is very similar to the States and American culture is very popular here. The biggest culture shock for me has been the self-sufficiency required to live here and the adventurous nature of the country.
Dunedin is extremely accessible through walking and public transportation. It has made everything feel like it is at my fingertips. At the same time, without the presence of a meal plan and my own car, I have had to place an emphasis on organization. Having to fully plan out my meals, budget, and travel has made me more confident in my ability to navigate the world on my own. In order to go to the beach, grocery stores, and city area, I’ve had to learn the bus routes. It’s been very fun learning the ways of the town and exploring the best kept secrets. In the classroom, they hand out the course outline at the start of the semester and you are expected to follow it to a T with little reminder. Fewer assignments has given me the time to grasp the concepts presented to me and complete the work at better quality. It has allowed me to take my studies into my own hands. While it was definitely something to get used to, I’ve seen the benefits of it in my note taking and studying habits.
Alternatively, I have had trouble getting into the spirit of the town. Having anxiety often makes it hard for me to partake in the fun adventure sports that the country has to offer. While many people have been kayaking and hiking, I find myself fearful of these experiences. Being born and raised in Florida, I don’t have much experience with elevated terrains and adventure sports. I had hoped to experience more of these things but I have found myself stuck within my comfort zone. Embracing this side of New Zealand is something I plan to do. I hope to go on a light hike and take advantage of the experiences I could never have in Florida. All in all, this experience has awoken a spirit of independence and I hope to embrace the spirit of adventure. Being confronted with these culture shocks will ultimately turn me into the best version of myself.