Sarah Coleman, the University of Florida’s Sustainability in New Zealand student blogger, writes:

The desire to travel, explore, and learn more about distant lands have inspired many people to go abroad. For me, my dream has always been to travel to New Zealand – and now this dream is actually becoming a reality. I’ve been given the opportunity to study abroad in New Zealand this summer, and a flood of emotions and questions have been racing through my mind ever since I found out I was accepted into the program: How cold will it be, considering that our summertime is their wintertime? Are we going to get to see the Hobbit Houses? Is my passport up to date? What cultural differences do I need to be aware of? Is the sheep to people ratio really higher over there?

On top of the queries I have about the program and its expectations, I didn’t sign up for it with anyone I know. Thankfully, I’ve met a couple of people in the program already, and three of us are even traveling to Australia together after the program for about a week! Everyone seems incredibly stoked to travel and learn together, and because the program is so structured and detailed, I have a feeling all of us are going to become close very quickly.

During the three-and-a-half-week program we will be constantly traveling up through the south and north islands of New Zealand. We will be learning about the land through personal experiences and from learned local experts. We will be visiting a range of New Zealand’s captivating ecosystems and participating in various activities such as hiking, kayaking, and even swimming with wild dolphins! This experience is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I can’t wait to tap into my adventurous side down under.