Kia Ora from New Zealand!
The United States from a political science point of view is a mixture of realist and liberalist. We are realist in the sense that we look out for our own interests and liberalist in the sense that we contribute to the international community through organizations. The United States is also individualistic, meaning that students are taught specifically about the United States history and political climate. There is not much discussion about other countries or how the United States interacts with them until you get into higher level education. I have only been in New Zealand for a week, but in my first New Zealand Politics I was surprised to hear my professor mention the United States a few times. I figured that my New Zealand politics class would exclusively focus on New Zealand history. New Zealand expands this topic to discuss how they are related to other countries – like the US. I have found this contrast really interesting, and I am curious to see how these discussions develop as I continue in the course. The political individualist culture of the United States is something that I can view as a pro and a con. I imagine that somebody foreign to US culture may feel similarly about this cultural aspect. They would probably recognize that it benefits the United States in certain ways. But they may also feel frustrated that many Americans are not as globally aware as other countries citizens. New Zealand is a small nation in the Pacific that has experienced great democratic and political success. Many people are shocked that such a small nation has ranked so high on scales like the Freedom House Rankings and Liberal Democracy. In fact New Zealand ranks above the United States on many of these tests. I feel like this is shocking to many Americans. I am excited to learn more about New Zealand’s politics and society, as well as examine what they have done differently from the United States to rank as high as they do. This exercise helps prepare me for my time abroad by encouraging me to think critically about my own culture – which I would not have noticed unless I had traveled abroad. It’s important to examine cultural differences and similarities as it expands my world view and global citizenship. It also helps prepare me to embrace learning about a new culture. I have not been here for long but I have been able to experience some pretty incredible things and meet some of the locals. I feel like I have adjusted really well to Kiwi life so far and have even been able to attend some New Zealand specific activities like a rugby game, Mid-Winter Carnival, farmers market, tunnel beach, and some pretty spectacular hikes! I can’t wait to see what else there is to offer and continue to learn about life in New Zealand.
