Past Student Comments—New Zealand Program

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"Going on this trip was one of the best choices I made in college."

"The homestays are the absolute highlight."

"What I learned and am taking home with me is the spirit of New Zealand and the way in which they respect the land and the animals. There is a great emphasis here on the preservation of culture as well as native species of plants and animals."

“Attention: this is a class. There is school work. The first week of lectures is intense, but be patient because the field portions make the trip."

"My greatest moment on the trip was getting to swim with the dolphins. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I won’t forget. To actually swim with WILD dolphins was such an incredible rush."

"Dolphin swim, kayaking, mountain hikes, all outdoor activities. I loved it all."

"I can’t specify one great moment. There were hundreds. I loved stepping off the bus to see the next place we’d explore. I loved learning something surprising about individuals on the trip. Overall my best memories are about the friends I have made. I love that our group is made up of a variety of people. It made our trip well-rounded with more intellectual insights."

"What I’ve learned that I’m taking home with me is a new respect for others’ cultures and a new acceptance for others’ beliefs and opinions. This is my first time ever out of the country…and it has been a comfortable and more than pleasurable experience."

"This program is ideal for people who love the outdoors. It is suitable for all majors. This really was a great program."

"This course kicked . . . I would do it again a thousand times. Everyone should study in New Zealand!"

"My greatest experience or moment here on this program was overall being able to travel around NZ. But more specifically, having the time to reflect on all I’ve learned. I can’t give this program enough credit for all that I’ll go back with. A really significant moment for me was the star gazing because it was a nice way to put everything into perspective at the end of the trip."

"I am taking away different views and perspectives of totally different cultures. I see that the U.S. is somewhat sheltered in the way that we are causing many world ecological problems and turn a shoulder to it. I see that these people know more about what we aren’t doing than what we do." 

"This trip has forced me to break down who I am and my beliefs, which has allowed me to understand my prejudices and see the world from a new perspective with a new understanding of what is culture and what is important in the scheme of things.”

"I learned how independent I and people can be. I think I know how much I can do, and I don’t see the world as such a huge and different place. I have grown so much on this trip."

"Be prepared for an intense educational experience. The rewards for the work come more quickly than you can imagine. When you get on the bus and start traveling, a beautiful experience is waiting for you: swirling night skies, rock islands in the middle of the sea, and blue glaciers illuminated by orange sunsets. "

"You will be constantly doing something: lectures but also amazing hiking, snorkeling, dolphin swimming, kayaking."

"I wanted to let you know what a great time I had in New Zealand. I thought you did a great job with everything, and I thoroughly enjoyed being part of such a great program."

"The course material was challenging."

"It is a wonderful experience. I have been on five previous study abroad programs. This is the best!"

"The time I spent in the field in New Zealand was far more valuable than I could have ever hoped for."

"I learned more in this experience than any other."

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