It's Grace again from New Zealand! I am done with classes here at the University of Auckland and am currently studying for my final exams before I head home in two weeks. Time flew by!
This last weekend me and some friends took a road trip down to Wellington. The total drive there and back was over 7 hours from Auckland at the top of the North Island down to the capital city at the very bottom tip of the North Island. We listened to tons of music and had tons of snacks on hand, it was a blast! We stopped in Whanganui for one night and continued on to Wellington, where we saw tons of waterfalls, flora and fauna, and ate great food. I highly recommend visiting Wellington if you are in New Zealand and to take some time to enjoy the sights along the way if you can.
Reflecting on my time here in New Zealand, I am so grateful to have had this experience. For the first few weeks I was wary because the country didn't seem too different from the U.S. and I was struggling to make friends. But after going to social events and stepping outside of my comfort zone, I was able to find my place here at uni. I am really satisfied with my course load as well, only taking four classes and they were all super interesting (I almost dread coming back to GW and taking harder classes!!). Many of my classes integrated guest speaker lectures and the incorporation of the Māori knowledge into a lot of the topics was super enlightening about the indigenous experience. I hope to bring those perspectives back with me to GW and beyond my undergrad!
For anyone considering Auckland for a study abroad experience, I think I could sum up the region and city in three words: enriching, accommodating, and refreshing. The integration of Māori culture and easy access to different areas around the country was really enriching as an American who is interested in history and New Zealand culture. I also think New Zealanders are quite nice and the city was relatively accessible and accommodating for newcomers. Lastly, the access to natural spaces, the emphasis on eco-friendly lifestyles, and the cool weather were really refreshing for someone who has lived in densely populated areas. I had an overall really positive experience studying abroad here and I would highly recommend the program for anyone looking for a unique experience.
This is Grace, signing off and heading back to the States!!
Grace Truong
Fall 2024
GW Exchange - University of Auckland
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs & Environmental Studies Double Major