Kia Ora! My name is Liz, and I’m currently on an exchange program at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand. I find that my days here are much different than my typical routine in DC. Through my exchange program, I have the same amount of classes I would have while at GW, but my visa does not allow me to work, so I find myself with much more free time.
I usually wake up early and grab a quick breakfast in my dorm’s attached dining hall. My first class of the day — New Zealand Foreign Policy — isn’t until the early afternoon, so I have plenty of time to explore before I need to be back on campus. I pack my bag and grab my hiking boots to head out to one of the many trails around Wellington. The bus system around the city takes me to almost all the places I want to go, including my chosen trail. On this day, I choose a hike up to a mountain ridge with stunning views of the city and harbour. After a few hours, I head back to my dorm, where I unpack my hiking gear and grab some lunch with my fellow international students in my building. After New Zealand Foreign Policy and an Environmental Politics class, I head to the library to get my work done for the day. There, I meet with my group project members to work on our upcoming presentation before heading to the dining hall for dinner. Overall, it was a productive and exciting day.
While abroad, I have a lighter class load, and while still being engaged in my academics, I have more time to pursue my hobbies and interests, which for me include hiking and exploring the outdoors. I have explored so much of Wellington and of New Zealand as a whole, and have really learned what interests and challenges me this semester.
Elizabeth White
Fall 2024
GW Exchange - Victoria University of Wellington
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs & Political Science Double Major