Katie McCoy, the Illinois Abroad marketing intern, writes:

Kia ora! That’s a friendly greeting spoken by the Māori people, the indigenous people of New Zealand. Last summer, for 24 days I was lucky enough to experience New Zealand, its culture, its people, and its adventures, first-hand. I went on a program called New Zealand – Adventure Recreation and Tourism.

When I was there, I learned more about myself than I ever imagined I would. I learned that I can totally hike for eight hours one day and then wake up and hike for another four hours the next. I learned that it is extremely easy to become as close as family with complete strangers in a very short amount of time. I learned that I can challenge myself and push myself further than I ever thought I could go. New Zealand taught me these things.

Of course, I also learned a lot about New Zealand itself. New Zealand is roughly the same size and population as the state of Colorado. Its indigenous people, the Māori, are greatly respected and admired and heavily influence the culture. New Zealand is home to many indigenous species, only one of which is a mammal, and no natural predators. The entire country cares a great deal about the environment and goes to great lengths to make sure it is protected. New Zealand is a country that is passionate about rugby – much like Americans are passionate about our football. New Zealand’s main exports include sheep and dairy products, which means they have excellent cheeses (which I miss very much).

Now let me tell you a little bit about myself. My name is Katie McCoy. I am a senior in Psychology and Communications at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In my spare time I enjoy reading, baking, doing crafts, hanging out with my friends and watching bad reality TV. I am so excited to begin this journey and help other people with their decision to experience New Zealand and its amazing culture and people.

So, kia ora!