Introducing Samantha Moran, student blogger from the University of Montana’s Business Sustainability study abroad program in New Zealand and Sydney, Australia. Samantha wrote her pre-departure blog post in December, stay tuned for updates as she is currently travelling!

Hi All!

My name is Samantha Moran. I am a senior Business Management major at the University of Montana and I love world travel.

When I was growing up, my parents always made sure that I got out and saw the world. The good, the bad, and the ugly. They wanted me to understand that my views were not the only ones. Travelling the world and visiting with people that have views different than your own, makes you realize that you are just a very small part in the big picture. I was accepted into the New Zealand and Sydney Study Abroad: Business Sustainability program in October. I have booked my flights and paid my tuition. And now, I want to share my story with the rest of the big picture, so that you may understand a few of the small parts.

Study abroad programs offer a unique experience for students to learn outside the classroom setting and perfect world scenarios. I am hoping that this experience gives me some insight into how others function in the business world. The city of Christchurch in New Zealand was just recently affected by an earthquake. We will get to learn how they rebuilt and survived through such hard times. We will work with guides in a national park to see how they balance business and nature preservation. We will also get to learn from vineyard workers and sheep farmers.

I leave for New Zealand in less than a month now. The excitement I feel as I am packing and planning all my adventures, does not compare to anything I have felt in my life. I hope, if you are reading this and following me and my fellow travelers, that you also get to share in the excitement to come.

Until Next Time,

Samantha Moran- World Traveler