Aug. 14, 2007

Name: Anne Christensen
Hometown: Highland Mills, NY
Graduation Year: 2008
Major(s): Government
Country of Study: New Zealand
Institution or Program: University of Otago

Q: Everyone walks into a new situation with some preconceived notions about what's to come. Which of your preconceptions was the most accurate? Which was entirely inaccurate?

AC: I honestly had no preconceived notions except that, I knew the country was going to be gorgeous and I was pretty confident that it was going to be an amazing experience. As for now, both my predictions were completely accurate!

Q: Describe the defining moment of your experience thus far.

AC: The most defining experience of my trip so far was hiking the Kepler Track. It was our first big adventure in New Zealand. After hiking for four hours up a mountain, we finally broke tree line and the view was absolutely gorgeous. Reaching the top was an indescribable feeling of accomplishment, but more importantly, I realized that this was only the first of so many trips in the next semester. I was so grateful to be there and know that I still had 4 months to explore this amazing country.

Q: What difficulties have you encountered in your day-to-day life abroad? What strategies have you developed to overcome them?

AC: My greatest difficulty was not having Internet in my flat, but now I am used to it and I realize I don't really need it. It is a nuisance at times, but there is so much more to do. I think my greatest challenge will be in my last month here when it becomes winter in New Zealand and we don't have central heating in our flats!

Q: What one aspect of life in your country of study would you most like to bring back to the United States? Why?

AC: The atmosphere in New Zealand is amazing! People are friendly and the entire culture is just laid back. People are not rushed, and overall, I think they take more time to enjoy life. If I take one thing back to America, I hope to take back the amazing `kiwi state of mind'.

Q: What was the best and the worst of the local cuisine you have had so far?

AC: The best New Zealand cuisine I have had is, New Zealand's Hokey Pokey ice cream. It is unbelievable, a vanilla type base with toffee chips inside. As for the worst, that would have to be a live HuHu Grub that I ate at the Wildfoods Festival at Hokitka. It squished in my mouth and tasted like potato.

Q: What one place have you been in your country that others must see?

AC: Queenstown! It is the adventure capital of New Zealand and honestly, one of the most gorgeous places I have ever seen. It is in the Fiordlands and people are skydiving and paragliding all around you. I bungee jumped in Queenstown off of the Nevis Highwire and it was one of the coolest things I've ever done in my life.

Q: How have you been received by the local population?

AC: The Kiwis are fantastic. They are very welcoming of Americans for the most part because most Kiwis my age idolize America. Their entire pop culture is America and most of them plan or would love to travel to America at some point. The only time I've received criticism was when I tell people I am a Government major and some people get on my case about Bush, but it's harmless and they are just trying to get a rise out of you most f the time.

Q: What do you miss most about life back on campus?

AC: I miss my friends of course, but as for now, that might be about it! I certainly have not had any time to sick of New Zealand. The large University experience is new and exciting and traveling has been unbelievable. This past month and half was amazing and there is so much more to come!

Q: Be honest, how much time do you spend a week instant messaging?

AC: I don't spend very much time instant messaging because I don't have Internet in my flat.

Q: Have you played or have you seen any field hockey played over there? If so, what differences do you see in the local approach to the game?

AC: Unfortunately, I am still trying to organize field hockey over here. There are a lot of club teams in Dunedin, but they compete on the weekends and we are traveling every weekend. I have met a handful of Americans who play for their colleges and we are trying to organize some pick up games. We may go see the University competition coming up in the spring in Christchurch.

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