My time abroad in New Zealand is one I will never forget. New Zealand is a small, simple, and beautiful place with kind people and many things to do. Life in New Zealand was very similar to how I expected it. While studying abroad, I balanced my school work with traveling and exploring the country pretty effortlessly. I also had no issue creating relationships with friends, a few professors and tutors.
New Zealand, an English-speaking country, lent itself to a much easier assimilation into experiencing their culture and life. Other than getting used to walking on a different side of the sidewalk or using different phrases when ordering food, cultural difference wasn’t that extreme. Kiwis are very humble people; there is a phenomenon referred to as tall poppy syndrome where people feel they cannot boast about achievements or stand out in public; otherwise, people around them will cut them down. Coming from the United States, this is something we do quite naturally. This was present in my courses and when working with Kiwi students in group work.
Looking at my experience from a Kiwi perspective, I am very fortunate to do all the amazing things I did. When speaking to Kiwis about what places to visit and the best ways to see New Zealand, I learned that they don’t travel much around their country. I was fortunate enough to see most of the country in various ways. They also loved talking to people from abroad and learning about my life.
Through my courses and program, I learned so much about their indigenous culture, the Maori. Maori culture and language in recent years have been reintegrated throughout New Zealand signage and education as they try to revive the presence in Aotearoa. Maori values are present all over New Zealand. They are family-centred, hardworking, and respect and love the land.
However, New Zealand felt different, like stepping a few years into the past. Because of the physical and geological location of the country, it feels very close to the rest of the world. However, one of the best parts about being abroad was other international students. I was able to make friends from all over the world; I learned so much about other cultures while living in one. Approaching cultural differences from a place of education is the most important thing you can do. Conflict and disagreements will arise, but being open-minded is the most important thing. I have always been very open-minded, but using the skills and values I have learned abroad will benefit me in my professional career and my relationships. I am forever grateful for my few months abroad, the people I met and the things I’ve experienced.
