Ani Matevosian

For years studying abroad was always a part of my “college plan.” I already had a love for travelling to new places so I knew I wanted to study abroad, but New Zealand did not cross my mind until sophomore year when I was looking at all the UCEAP programs offered. Photographs of the nature and hearing past students’ experiences there intrigued me. It was a really difficult decision though, mostly due to how far away and isolated the country seemed, but I figured New Zealand would be something totally different than any place I’d travelled to before. Also, I knew there were unique earth science courses I could take there and still graduate on time/get credit for my major.
 

Visiting the city of Rotorua where there is not only lots of geothermal activity (such as geysers and natural hot pools), but also a living Maori village was the most interesting cultural experience I had while there. I got to hear from local Maori about their traditions, history, and even witness students create traditional art at the current wood carving school. This was such a unique experience given I had little to no exposure of Maori culture before traveling to New Zealand.

I was most concerned with being so far away. Just from looking at a world map it’s clear that New Zealand is fairly isolated from much of the world. Despite the amount of traveling I’ve done previously, New Zealand was the furthest I’d been from home, and I was headed there without knowing anyone or having any contacts there. I luckily found a group of friends that I quickly became very close to. Being that far from home, these friends became as close as family to me and made the transition/distance easier to handle. I didn’t get homesick as much as I expected I would, and I attribute that to spending time with great friends and exploring the country as often as we could!

 

I’d wake up, make breakfast, walk to class, and stop by my favorite coffee shop. I’d have my classes and lab, meet up with friends on campus for lunch, walk home, then make dinner. I’d hang out with my roommates, other exchange students, go out with some local friends, or study. The weekends we’d try to explore as much as the city as possible and plan bigger trips during our longer breaks.
 

I took two earth science courses, which were Earth Structures and Deformation (Structural Geology) and Sedimentology and Paleontology. I also took Intro to New Zealand Government and Politics. The structure of the courses was very similar to Berkeley in that there was a lecture and then lab or discussion section. The main difference I found was that there wasn’t much daily homework or weekly due, but rather larger/heavily weighted assignments and exams.

The most meaningful aspect of my time abroad was travelling with the friends I made there. During a week long break, a few exchange students and I rented a campervan and road tripped around the South Island; we got to see Mt. Cook glacier, hike, camp, and visit cities including Queenstown, Wanaka and Tekapo. Another time we visited Abel Tasman National Park, where we got to kayak, hike, and spend time at the beach. Within Wellington, whenever we had the chance, my friends and I would try to see as much as we could, whether it be by way of trying a new coffee shop, visiting a museum, going to a concert, or just walking around the city and along the water.
 

I gained independence and self confidence from living in a new country. Studying abroad allowed me to push myself outside my comfort zone in different ways, like meeting new people, trying a new sport, visiting different parts of New Zealand/Australia, and connecting with the locals. It allowed me to realize I am capable of adapting to new environments and connecting with people from completely different backgrounds than my own. I now have an even stronger desire to keep traveling and know that it’s possible for me to live elsewhere or go to graduate school, for example, abroad.

I recommend that students take classes they’re actually interested in abroad, and if there’s a lab section it’s a plus! Labs and group work is becomes such a good opportunity to make friends with New Zealanders. The earth science ones specifically, also require field trips; this allowed me to visit places in New Zealand I would not have visited otherwise and was such a unique way to explore the country. I’d also suggest taking advantage of the greater amount of free time that you may have abroad, and explore the city/country with both locals and other exchange students. There was always something to do in Wellington, so make an effort to embrace living in such a cool capital!