Alex Munoz, the Illinois Abroad marketing intern, writes:

Kia ora!

Alex enjoying a hike on New Zealand’s South Island

They say that picture is worth a thousand words. Whoever said this clearly has not taken a second to gander at the New Zealand Adventure Recreation & Tourism program pictures I captured from my venture abroad. Thrill, activity, motivation, passion, excitement, exhilaration, action, experience and everlasting memories are just a few of those millions of words I can use to describe those unbelievable flashbacks of my incredible experiences from across the world in New Zealand.

From mid-May to early June this past summer, I was privileged enough to travel abroad on New Zealand’s South Island with several other University of Illinois and University of Florida students. I made lifelong friendships and memories every step of the way. I also experienced several national parks, forests, endemic wildlife, New Zealand universities and Maori rituals. Plus, I went zip-lining, swam with dusky dolphins, hiked a glacier, kayaked through pristine waters and, my personal favorite from one free day, bungee jumped.

I personally live for adventure and adrenaline. Aside from these activities I experienced in New Zealand, I have also been known to do more extreme sports including skydiving and paintball. So considering my personality, this was obviously the best possible study abroad experience I could have enjoyed. With so much to see and so much to do, it was right up my alley.

Alex preparing for a bungee jump in Queenstown, New Zealand

Besides traveling to New Zealand, I have also visited France, Belgium, Holland, Ireland, Germany, England, Mexico and Cuba. I love getting out and immersing myself in an unfamiliar culture to experience what the world has to offer.

Considering how much I am in love with my New Zealand experience, I am thrilled to be this year’s Illinois Abroad Marketing Intern. I constantly talk about my ventures this summer, which only enhances my passion for this study abroad program and makes me excited to share my experience and hope that others also go abroad and seize this great opportunity.