When I first stepped out of the terminal at Wellington Airport, I was startled to find that I could see my breath in the chilly air. It was June, and so of course the middle of winter in the southern hemisphere, but it had been a stark contrast from when I boarded the plane in the 100-degree heat of my home in Mobile, Alabama. This semester I have had the opportunity to study abroad in Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand, and my time here has been nothing short of incredible. But, like the winter weather I stepped into, I found myself in a new and exciting place that I struggled at first to adapt to. While New Zealand and the United States share a common language and a similar culture, I still found myself feeling out of place as the semester began.
As the semester began, I found the academic environment to be much different than in the US. It seems much more laid back, with most professors only referred to by their first names, and many who do not set concrete deadlines for assignments. While this was jarring at first, I embraced the creative freedom I was given and was able to write about unique subjects that I truly enjoyed for each of my term papers. Like GW, many classes have smaller discussion sections, called tutorials, which happen once a week. These informal meetings of six or so students provided a chance to ask the professor and tutor any questions that you might have. Even though the academic culture is different here, I enjoyed the responsibility of structuring my own class schedule and choosing what to research and study. Now, as the semester draws to a close, I appreciate the relaxed atmosphere.
When I first moved into my dorm, I struggled to find friends. Being in my fourth year, it felt like everyone had already found their friend groups, and I knew no one here. I had to really step out of my comfort zone and talk to people, and I found that so many people were welcoming and were just as interested in my life in America as I was in their lives in New Zealand. Shortly after arriving, I also joined an international student group, which was incredibly helpful at connecting me with other international students who might be feeling the same way. This has allowed me not only to meet new people from around the world but has given me a strong support system during my time here.
With my new friends here at Victoria University, I have had so many adventures, including over a hundred miles of trail hiking, rugby games, and even a two-week road trip around the South Island. As my classes progressed and I made new friends and explored New Zealand, I felt less and less out of place both personally and academically and learned so much about living in Kiwi culture. As the chilly weather gives way to spring, I find myself feeling just as comfortable here in Wellington as I am in Foggy Bottom.
Elizabeth White
Fall 2024
GW Exchange - Victoria University of Wellington
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs & Political Science Double Major