Amanda Back, the Eagles Abroad marketing intern, writes:

When I returned home from my 24-day adventure exploring New Zealand and Sydney during my J-term of my junior year, I truly became obsessed with traveling and with New Zealand and Australia. The experiences I had were not only the best I had during my college career, but some of the best days of my life. Back at home, I literally could not stop talking about all the activities I embarked on and everything I learned. I constantly found myself thinking back to those awesome three weeks wishing I could relive the entire experience over again.

Lucky for me though, I get to share everything I experienced and how incredible the program was because it is my job now. I am the 2013-2014 Eagles Abroad intern for the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse! (And ohhh my goodness am I super excited!)

Abel Tasman kayaking

Going into the New Zealand and Sydney Sustainable Business program, I will admit I was a little nervous. I had never traveled without my friends or family and definitely hadn’t been to the other side of the world! It was definitely a little scary. But once I stepped off the plane at LAX and met up with my fellow study abroad classmates, all of my worries vanished. Together we made so many memories and also became friends. We swam with dolphins, went kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park, and I even got the courage to go bungy jumping during my free time at the AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Centre. It’s where bungy jumping started—pretty sweet, if you ask me.

Plus, I learned so much in those three weeks about international business practices and sustainability. The learning was all hands-on and definitely not your typical lectures. New Zealand and Sydney businesses take pride in focusing not only on profit, but also helping people and the planet. Creating sustainable business practices is key for a truly successful business.

Amanda in front of the Sydney Opera House

Traveling from Queenstown to Wellington, crossing the Tasman Sea to Sydney and many stops in between, this 24-day program was one of the best experiences of my life. I can’t wait to assist students who are also hoping to meet some great people, embark on new adventures and create the best memories of their life on the New Zealand and Sydney business program for the 2013-2014 J-term!