Brett Davis, the Eagles Abroad marketing intern, writes:

Studying abroad is an absolutely life changing experience, but how do I truly learn about the culture abroad? That’s a great question.

A little background behind why this topic is important to me: As a junior in high school, I was able to visit my cousin in Japan. The one thing I remember above all was the amount I learned about the culture. Everything was so much different, but I loved it. I figured out in hindsight that it was the Japanese people that taught me the most when I was there. I remember most the actual interaction with the locals and the things I learned by simply interacting with them even though I don’t speak Japanese.

Fast forward to last year during my January-term business program to New Zealand and Australia. I had an absolutely amazing experience and met some wonderful people. Again, the things I remember most about Kiwi and Australian culture were from my face-to-face interactions with the local people.

Brett and classmates with their homestay families in Motueka, New Zealand. These were some of the locals that provided insight into Kiwi culture.

While in Christchurch, the university at which we stayed was also housing a cricket camp with tons of athletes from all over New Zealand. At night a few Kiwis saw us playing cards through a window and asked if they could play. So of course we were happy to have their company. It was very interesting interacting with them and slowly figuring out how little we knew about New Zealand people.

I remember asking, what kind of music they listened to, thinking that they would respond with some local New Zealand music that I didn’t know. However, they responded almost jokingly, “What do you think I listen to? The same stuff you do, mate.”

I said, “Really, who’s your favorite band?”

My Kiwi card-playing friend responded, “Blink 182 and Green Day.” Needless to say, I was shocked.

After that, I asked this group of guys every question I could think of about what they liked and what people our age like to do there. That experience alone gave me a very in-depth perspective into current New Zealand culture.

So while there are countless things to do while you are aboard, I hope that while you are studying and learning about your temporary home you’ll be sure to interact more with the local community. They are the ones that know all about your location and culture.