Semester abroad on the other side of the world

One Trimester in New Zealand

I am currently sitting at the departure gate in Auckland while writing this report. On one side, I am looking forward to flying back home, because I will see my family and friends again, on the other side I am dreading to board that plane and to leave my new friends and this wonderful place behind.

Much has happened during my time here and I honor every moment and memory this study abroad experience has brought to me. From learning fascinating things in class, over participating in clubs and volunteering opportunities, to spending time with my friends and traveling, everything has brought me joy and happiness.

During this trimester I got to start learning so many new things, like sailing, how a rescue team works and about the uniqueness of the land and culture of the maōri. I can full heartedly say, that everyone that likes to experience and try new things, will be happy and satisfied with studying in Wellington at the Victoria University of Wellington (Te Herenga Waka). I have learned that there is always something going on either at uni or in the city with which you can fill your day or just fill a break from studying. The university as well as the halls hold regular and irregular events both for the fun and wellbeing of the students. Those events include paw therapy (a designated time and opportunity to cuddle with dogs that are brought to the main campus), crafting evenings, free waffles and many opportunities to talk with a community advisor or a person of trust. With that it is really nice to see that the university and all it’s staff really care about mental and physical health of everyone. And by that, I truly mean everyone — there are many other events beyond the ones I’ve already mentioned, each tailored to specific interests or communities, making it easy for everyone to find like-minded people.This is also represented in the broadness of the clubs, at the moment there are 146, and i am convinced that everyone can find a club that fits perfectly to themselves there.

And not only the university but Wellington as well are places that value inclusion and diversity, places where the german saying “alles kann, nichts muss” (“everything can happen, nothing has to”) fits perfectly and this can be felt throughout every encounter and experience one makes.

Additionally, New Zealand as a whole is a paradise for everyone that loves nature. The south island with its impressive nature that shows a spectacular beauty that’s not seen in many other places and the north island with it’s equally as beautiful but completely different landscape. Some of my highlights from nature, has been seeing the milky way, seeing stingrays, a kiwi and penguins in the wild and most breathtakingly viewing the southern polar lights.

Of course, the costs of spending six months in New Zealand should not be overlooked. Compared to other possible destinations, New Zealand can be more financially demanding. However, I am confident that anyone can benefit from such an experience and rise to the challenges that come with it. What made this so much easier for me was the incredible helpfulness I encountered — both from the local people in New Zealand and from the team at World of Students. The sense of safety and comfort I felt, even so far from home, quickly dispelled any doubts I initially had. And while no experience is ever truly perfect or free of ups and downs, these six months came remarkably close.

To conclude my reflections on my time in Wellington, I have to say that it is a unique opportunity and i would recommend everyone to also do a trimester abroad.