msuCatalyst →

by Chelsea Wuth

With MSU being a school with one of the top study abroad programs in the country, there are many unique opportunities offered.  While I was dealing with the cold and typical Michigan winter weather, my roommate Angie Davison was enjoying herself in New Zealand.  This study abroad program lasted three weeks during the duration of Christmas break. 

Angie was a bit apprehensive about studying abroad when she heard they would be staying in hostels for the duration of their trip.  Luckily, these weren’t the hostels she had previously had in mind.  The living quarters consisted of rooms with 3-4 girls staying in each.  They had a communal bathroom and kitchen where they could prepare food they purchased.  Although restaurants were everywhere, she said it was much cheaper to buy and make your own meals.  “I did like it, and it was way better than I thought it was going to be.”

She had originally chosen to do a study abroad program in New Zealand for several reasons.  Most importantly, she needed six credits to graduate, and this program offered just that.  The course to be completed in New Zealand was a Natural Science course that did not directly relate to her major, but she liked it.  Because she was a Veterinary Medicine major, it wasn’t a huge stretch. 

New Zealand is perhaps one of the most sustainable places in the world.  The goal of the New Zealand study abroad course was to learn about sustainability.  Using geothermal, hydroelectric and wind power allow New Zealand to be a very sustainable country.  Angie also noted that every garbage can outside there was a can for recycling. 

The weather of New Zealand provided a pleasant escape from the harsh Midwest winters.  New Zealand’s north island had tropical weather with temperatures reaching the 80’s. Angie described the north island as more developed, and the south as being more scenic. The south island had still comfortable weather in the 60’s.  The islands are an approximate three-hour boat ride from each other, and the students traveled and stayed on both islands during the trip. 

A typical day consisted of waking up at 7:30 a.m. and traveling to an activity such as a hike or visit to an aquarium that generally lasted until mid-afternoon.  They were provided with bus transportation, and Angie said that the driver would sometimes take them on scenic rides.  Her favorite school-related activity was their trip to the Waimangu Geyser.  She described the springs as “boiling pretty water with bacteria. I like bacteria.”

An interesting activity Angie did aside from the agenda was a Lord of the Rings horseback tour.  They toured parts of New Zealand traveling at cantering speed (which is rather fast) to see the locations of some movie scenes.  She said that there wasn’t that much relevant to the movie that they viewed, but it was worthwhile. 

This is one of hundreds of excellent Study Abroad programs offered through Michigan State. Visit the Study Abroad website to learn more about the programs and scholarships and financial aid options.

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