AUIP BLOG

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Programs

Madeline with Texas A&M flag
Customized Program, Field Notes, Marketing Interns, New Zealand, Student Perspective, Travel

Student Perspective: Culture, nature, history and real-world education practices – by Madeline Sweany, Texas A&M University

December 16, 2024

Madeline Sweany, from Texas A&M University, tells the story of her study abroad experience in Aotearoa New Zealand. She writes: The first words I heard when stepping off of the 17 hour flight to Wellington, New Zealand were “Kia Ora”. This a greeting from the Māori culture, one that is native to this pacific island. While the literal translation of…

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Sydney street art girl with flowers and fish
Australia, Australia: Sydney, Customized Program, Field Notes, Inspiration, Marketing Interns, Student Perspective, Travel, Uncategorized

Student Perspective: Finding a New Home In A Far Away Place – by Paige Garpstas, Penn State University

September 25, 2020

Paige Garpstas, from The Pennsylvania State University, explains her time abroad and all that it taught her. She writes: Studying abroad was a college dream I had always imagined. When looking at schools, one of my top priorities was seeking out their abroad program and what I could do to get there. I am currently a junior at Penn State,…

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Photo of Amanda Carter working on an AWC turtle project.
Alumni Updates, New Zealand, Travel, What Next

Alumni Update: Amanda Carter’s career shaped by her Virginia Tech study abroad experiences

December 18, 2019

Amanda Carter Virginia Tech AUIP alumnus: Sustaining Humans and the Environment, Australia, 2009 Sustaining the Fragile Continent, Antarctica, 2010 AUIP Marketing Intern, Hokies Abroad Teaching Assistant, Sustaining Humans and the Environment, Australia Teaching Assistant, Sustaining the Fragile Continent, Antarctica A decade after my first study abroad program, study abroad remains one of the most formative experiences of my life. I…

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Photo of Virginia Tech students at Hinewai Reserve 2014
Alumni Updates, New Zealand, Travel, What Next

Alumni Update: How Jane Schaefer’s 2014 NZ study abroad program inspired a return journey

December 13, 2019

Jane Schaefer Virginia Tech AUIP alumnus: New Zealand, 2014 I studied sustainability in the South Island of New Zealand during the winter of my senior year (which was summer in New Zealand). I was already passionate about conservation, resource management, and environmental sustainability. I was impressed with how receptive both New Zealand’s government and local populations were of conservation efforts….

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Finished “Frog” painting created based off of Aboriginal story telling symbols
Australia, Australia: Northern Territory, Customized Program, Field Notes, Inspiration, Marketing Interns, Student Perspective, Travel, Uncategorized

Student Perspective: Telling a Story – by Brooke Burkhart, Penn State University

November 25, 2019

Brooke Burkhart, from the Penn State University, explains why she enjoyed creating art and learning about the history of dot painting within the Aboriginal communities in Australia. She writes: I had many amazing experiences with all of the art-making we did throughout our abroad adventure.  One experience that particularly influenced me during this trip was the art-making and gallery tour…

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Australia, Green Living, Marketing Interns, New Zealand, Student Perspective, Travel

Student Perspective: Change to Sustainability – by Lucas DuMez, Virginia Tech

April 16, 2019

Lucas DuMez, Hokies Abroad Marketing Intern from Virginia Tech, talks about how his study abroad experience influenced his way of living on his return to Blacksburg.  He writes: Hi!  My name is Lucas DuMez, from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. This blog will go in depth about how my trip abroad to Australia and New Zealand inspired me to…

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Marketing Interns, New Zealand, Student Perspective, Travel

AUIP welcomes Emma Rafferty from Virginia Tech to the AUIP Marketing Team

April 3, 2019

Emma Rafferty, the new Hokies Abroad Marketing Intern from Virginia Tech, talks about the experience of studying abroad in New Zealand in winter 2018/19.  She writes: Hi!  My name is Emma Rafferty and I’m a sophomore attending Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia studying Sustainable Biomaterials and Geography.  Basically, I love learning about how people interact with the environment and how…

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2018-2019 Student Blogs, Australia, Australia: North Queensland, Customized Program, Inspiration, Stories, Student Perspective, Travel

Student Perspective: AUIP welcomes Megan Andreasen, Ohio State University, to the AUIP marketing internship team

February 5, 2019

Megan Andreasen talks about her experience of studying in North Queensland, Australia, in May 2018. She writes: Hello everyone! My name is Megan Andreasen and I am currently studying environmental science at the Ohio State University. I am from New Jersey, where I spent most of my childhood at the Jersey Shore and in the Atlantic Ocean. I have always…

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Australia, Field Notes, Marketing Interns, New Zealand, Student Perspective, Travel

Student Perspective: Field Activities and Data Collection with Hokies Abroad – by Lucas DuMez, Virginia Tech

January 30, 2019

Lucas DuMez, Hokies Abroad Marketing Intern from Virginia Tech, explains some of the unique Hokies Abroad field experiences in New Zealand and Australia.  He writes: Hey, my name is Lucas and I go to Virginia Tech. I am writing about the field experiences that my group and I had while abroad in New Zealand and Australia. Field experiences are like…

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2017 Student Blogs, 2017-18 Student Blogs, Australia, Australia: Sydney, Customized Program

Student Perspective: Packing for Your Study Abroad Adventure – by Emily Fessler, Penn State

November 27, 2018

Emily Fessler, from Pennsylvania State University , shares some of her top tips for traveling abroad. She writes: When traveling halfway across the world, thinking about what to pack can be very overwhelming and stressful. Not to mention, having to master the challenge of making sure your suitcase doesn’t weigh over the limited 50 pounds so you don’t have to…

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