AUIP BLOG

Customized Program, Field Notes, Marketing Interns, New Zealand, Student Perspective, Travel

Student Perspective: Environmental challenges and diversity in communities - by Acacia Rhodes, The Ohio State University

Acacia shares their greatest academic achievements and personal developments while studying in Australia in the summer of 2024. They...
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Customized Program, Field Notes, Marketing Interns, New Zealand, Student Perspective, Travel

Student Perspective: Exploring conservation and culture in Australia - by Ava Geltinger, Virginia Tech

Ava talks about the experience of studying abroad in Australia in the summer of 2024. She writes: Hi everyone!...
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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

Madeline tells the story of her study abroad experience in Aotearoa New Zealand. She writes: The first words I...
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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

Paige Garpstas, from The Pennsylvania State University, explains her time abroad and all that it taught her. She writes:...
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Alumni Updates, New Zealand, Travel, What Next

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

Amanda Carter Virginia Tech AUIP alumnus: Sustaining Humans and the Environment, Australia, 2009 Sustaining the Fragile Continent, Antarctica, 2010...
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Customized Program, Field Notes, Marketing Interns, New Zealand, Student Perspective, Travel
Student Perspective: Environmental challenges and diversity in communities - by Acacia Rhodes, The Ohio State University
Customized Program, Field Notes, Marketing Interns, New Zealand, Student Perspective, Travel
Student Perspective: Exploring conservation and culture in Australia - by Ava Geltinger, Virginia Tech
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
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
Alumni Updates, New Zealand, Travel, What Next
Alumni Update: Amanda Carter's career shaped by her Virginia Tech study abroad experiences
Uncategorized

Student Perspective: Rambling Through the Milford Sound

January 10, 2017

Berkley Svingen, the University of Montana’s Sustainability in New Zealand and Australia student blogger, writes: “We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” – unknown Best known for its beloved natural attractions, New Zealand is not a travel destination for those hoping to scurry in and out of art museums or architectural enthusiasts. It…

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2016-2017 Student Blogs, New Zealand & Sydney, Postcard, Student Perspective

Student Perspective: Rambling Through the South Pacific

January 6, 2017

Berkley Svingen, the University of Montana’s Sustainability in New Zealand and Australia student blogger, writes: Kia Ora, my name is Berkley! I’m delighted to take you along my journey abroad the next four weeks as I travel across the North and South Islands of New Zealand and the coast of Australia. Together we will swim with dolphins in their natural…

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2016-2017 Student Blogs, Australia, Australia: Sydney, Postcard, Student Perspective, Uncategorized

Student Perspective: Last Minute Reminders

January 6, 2017

Shana-Kay Hart, the Penn State School of Visual Arts Down Under student blogger, writes: Ah, December. A time for ice-skating, warm beverages, and other holiday festivities as we draw closer to a new year. This last month is a time to prepare for 2017, spend time with family and friends, unwind before heading back to school, and in my case,…

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2016 Student Blogs, Field Notes, Postcard, Snapshot, Student Perspective

Student Perspective: Reflecting in the Rain

December 21, 2016

Kate Mayfield, the University of Montana’s Sustainability in New Zealand and Australia student blogger, writes: As the rain falls in Montana, I am finding myself reflecting on my trip to New Zealand and Australia more and more. Maybe I am missing the warm weather and sandy beaches, or it could be the captivating speakers we heard from.  Regardless, I am…

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2016 Student Blogs, New Zealand & Sydney, Shoestring Budget, Student Perspective

Student Perspective: Learning to Love Your Budget

December 20, 2016

Kate Mayfield, the University of Montana’s Sustainability in New Zealand and Australia student blogger, writes: While raising enough money to go on your trip abroad may be difficult, travelers often struggle to stay on budget once they are in country as well. In my own experiences abroad, I have found that when I did not plan my budget well, I…

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2016 Interns, Australia: Sydney, Green Living, New Zealand & Sydney, Student Perspective

Student Perspective: Making “Going Green” Permanent in Your Life

December 17, 2016

Kate Mayfield, the University of Montana’s Sustainability in New Zealand and Australia student blogger, writes: Recycling can be hard to keep up with, composting is difficult for the average family, and unplugging your electronics can feel like a lot of work. If you take little steps every day, going green can be a permanent part of your life. Buying a…

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2016 Interns, Australia: Sydney, Field Notes, New Zealand & Sydney, Student Perspective, Suitcase

Student Perspective: 5 Tips to Help You Pack Like a Travel Pro

December 16, 2016

Kate Mayfield, the University of Montana’s Sustainability in New Zealand and Australia student blogger, writes: No one dreads packing more than me. I am the classic over-packer. I bring enough clothes to ensure I am prepared for EVERY single situation. Gloves? Sure, it might get cold. One sweatshirt? Better bring two in case someone forgets one. Those are thoughts I…

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2016 Interns, Australia: North Queensland, Australia: Sydney, Field Notes, New Zealand & Sydney, Student Perspective

Student Perspective: Hello, It’s Me… From Montana (I hope you all sang that like Adele)

December 15, 2016

Kate Mayfield, the University of Montana’s Sustainability in New Zealand and Australia student blogger, writes: Before I jump into this post, I’d like to tell you a little about myself (in hopes you might actually heed my advice on occasion). My name is Kate Mayfield, and I am a 20-year-old University of Montana senior who has an itch to travel…

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Contests

#AUIPWalkAMile 2016 Photo Contest Winners: “Walk a Mile in Another’s Shoes”

November 17, 2016

Christchurch, New Zealand – American Universities International Programs, Ltd. (AUIP) announces its 2016 Photo Contest “Walk a Mile in Another’s Shoes” winners. This year’s theme, “walk a mile in another’s shoes,” refers to trying to understand another’s perspective prior to passing judgment, and is derived from an 1895 poem written by Mary T. Lathrap titled Judge Softly: Just walk a…

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Hi! My name is Emily Fessler and I am currently a Junior at the Pennsylvania State University studying Advertising/Public Relations as well as minoring in Business and Entrepreneurship. I am originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, which was recently named the Snowiest City in the United States, according to the Golden Snow Globe, after receiving a total of 186 inches of snow this past winter. Living in a real life snow globe such as Erie you could guess that I do enjoy skiing very much. Despite the bitter winter months, however, Erie also has beautiful warm summers. I am lucky enough to have a Great Lake in my very own backyard. Some summer activities that I enjoy include boating, walking along the beach in the hunt for beach glass, and playing golf. One thing I really value in my life is my family. I come from a large family in which I am number 28 out of 41 grandchildren. I have two loving parents and one younger sister. For me, family is everything. Whenever I am struggling I know I have them to turn to because they will always be there for me no matter what. This past winter break I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Sydney, Australia for a study abroad trip with Penn State. What made this experience so special and unique was that I was able to talk face-to-face with descendants of aboriginal Australians. Being able to learn about another country’s culture through face-to-face conversations creates such an authentic and surreal experience that you simply cannot get from a textbook. My favorite part of the program was when we hiked through the New South Wales Royal National Park. Originally when I heard we were “hiking” I was hesitant with excitement. I am not a big fan of being in the woods where I am prone to becoming a “tasty snack” for the mosquitoes, however, this hike was surprisingly delightful! We marched through the cliffs that overlooked the Pacific Ocean and stopped at a private beach to have a nice packed lunch. The views we saw on this hike were incredible leaving me in awe as I stood there trying not to pinch myself. The mountain rock was filled with shades of red, purple, and orange. One would think someone had painted these mountaintops. The ocean waves that crashed up against the sides of the cliffs were filled with multiple shades of blue. The best part about this hike, however, was the silence of nature that surrounded me. For the first time, all the outside noise had stopped and I could finally listen to my own thoughts and ideas without any disruption. Now I am starting a new journey as AUIP's Marketing Intern for the Pennsylvania State University. I would like to share my experiences with other students to encourage them to take advantage of this amazing opportunity. The trip was invaluable and life changing for me and I would love for other students to experience Sydney, Australia and everything it has to offer as well!
2017-18 Student Blogs

Face-to-face with descendants of aboriginal Australians

September 20, 2016

Hi! My name is Emily Fessler and I am currently a Junior at the Pennsylvania State University studying Advertising/Public Relations as well as minoring in Business and Entrepreneurship. I am originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, which was recently named the Snowiest City in the United States, according to the Golden Snow Globe, after receiving a total of 186 inches of snow…

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