Visiting Christchurch, New Zealand for the first time since the earthquakes can be sobering and emotional  – but it can also be an inspirational experience for American university students studying abroad.

When students tour with AUIP in New Zealand, they often take part in service projects that help the city recover from the damaging earthquakes that have taken place in the past two years. Students learn from local residents what it was like to be in the city during the earthquakes, how they have dealt with life post-quake, and share their hopes for the future of the city.

An anonymous student left a note ‘To Christchurch’ that describes the lasting impression the city had made on them. It was found in the Cashel container mall. The man who found it sent a copy to the local newspaper so it could be shared with the rest of the city. Click here to read the message.