Abby Blint

Overall Experience

My experience studying abroad and student teaching in New Zealand was truly transformative, empowering, and enriching—both personally and professionally. From the moment I first heard about the opportunity during my freshman year, I felt drawn to the idea of expanding my perspective through international teaching. Once I arrived in New Zealand, I embraced the differences in the education system and approached every challenge with curiosity and an open mind. One of the most impactful parts of the experience was designing and teaching an entire statistics unit on my own. It pushed me to think creatively, adapt quickly, and trust my abilities as a teacher—even without a scripted curriculum. That challenge strengthened my confidence and helped me realize that I’m capable of designing meaningful, student-centered lessons, even under unpredictable circumstances. Personally, this journey gave me lifelong friendships, especially with fellow ISU education majors who were also part of the program. I made unforgettable memories, including the Deep Cove Camp trip, which was the perfect way to end my time in New Zealand. Being immersed in a new culture and community helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. Professionally, I gained new teaching tools and strategies that I’ll take with me into my classroom back in Iowa. The most special part was that I accepted a teaching job while abroad and had the chance to learn directly from someone already teaching the subject I’ll be responsible for. Overall, this experience shaped who I am as a teacher and as a person. I left New Zealand feeling accomplished, full of new knowledge, and incredibly grateful for every part of the journey.

Learning experience

The most valuable learning experience I encountered was during my two weeks of full-time teaching, when I was responsible for planning and delivering an entire statistics unit in math. I was given only the starting and ending learning objectives, which meant I had full creative control over how to structure and teach the content. This freedom pushed me to develop engaging, student-centered lessons that connected to my students' interests and needs. Without a scripted curriculum to rely on, I had to think critically and adapt to a constantly changing schedule. It was both challenging and rewarding, and by the end of the unit, I felt like a stronger, more confident teacher. I learned that I’m capable of designing cohesive, sequential lessons on my own, and that sometimes learning—and teaching—can be “messy” before it becomes meaningful. One particularly eye-opening moment came when students struggled to collect usable data, and I had to help them work through setbacks and rethink their approach. This experience taught me the value of flexibility, reflection, and student-driven learning. It reinforced my belief that real growth often comes from navigating the unexpected, and it left me with ideas I’ll carry forward and improve upon in future classrooms.

Memorable experience

My most memorable experience from student teaching in New Zealand was attending Deep Cove Camp with all of the Year 8 students. This four-day overnight field trip in Fiordland National Park gave me the chance to explore the natural beauty of the South Island while also engaging in hands-on teaching and learning. It was a unique opportunity to connect with students outside the traditional classroom setting and to immerse myself more deeply in New Zealand’s culture and environment. What made this experience especially meaningful was that it took place during my final week abroad. Ending my journey with such an enriching and adventurous trip left me feeling accomplished, full of new knowledge, and incredibly grateful. The warmth and encouragement I received from the educators and community in New Zealand made the entire experience unforgettable.

What did you not expect?

One thing that surprised me during my time student teaching in New Zealand was how different the education system was from what I had expected. I went in believing New Zealand’s system would be highly structured and consistently high-performing—and while it does have many strengths, I found it to be much more flexible and less rigid than I anticipated. In contrast to the U.S. system, New Zealand does not align academic standards as strictly by age or grade level, which presented both opportunities and challenges in the classroom. This looser structure allows for more individualized learning and creative teaching approaches, but it also highlighted areas where more consistency or accountability might be beneficial. This realization has influenced how I view education on a global scale. Rather than directly comparing systems by outcomes, I’ve learned to focus on the supports each system offers and how they address student needs. As a future educator, I now approach my profession with a more open perspective—recognizing that no one system is perfect, but that each has practices worth learning from. I plan to take what I’ve seen succeed in New Zealand, such as their emphasis on holistic learning and flexibility, and combine it with the strengths of the U.S. system to better support my future students.

What advice would you give?

My advice to other students considering studying abroad is to approach the experience with an open mind. Being open allows you to fully embrace everything the opportunity has to offer—from immersing yourself in the local community and school environment to connecting with the people and culture of the land. Keeping an open mindset helped me stay curious, excited, and willing to ask questions, which led to a deeper understanding of both the education system and life in New Zealand. I also encourage students to make the most of their time abroad and be present in the moment. It’s natural to miss home, but staying focused on your purpose and planning meaningful experiences will help you appreciate the limited time you have. Remember why you chose to be there, and lean into the adventure—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that can shape both your personal and professional life in incredible ways.

How has this experience impacted your life?

This experience has had a profound impact on my life, both personally and professionally. As a young adult with few full-time responsibilities, I had the incredible opportunity to explore a different part of the world while also progressing toward my degree. Personally, the experience brought me a new circle of friends from ISU—fellow future educators with whom I was able to share this journey and build lasting connections. Educationally, my time in New Zealand broadened my understanding of teaching by exposing me to an entirely different education system from the one I was used to in Iowa. I gained valuable insights and new tools to add to my teaching toolbox, especially in areas beyond the core subjects, which expanded my view of what classroom teaching can look like. One of the most meaningful aspects of the experience was that, toward the end of my time abroad, I accepted a teaching position back in Iowa. While in New Zealand, I had the unique opportunity to shadow and learn from a teacher who taught the very subject I’ll be teaching in my new role. That connection made my experience even more relevant and impactful. Overall, this journey has left me with great memories, useful resources, and lifelong relationships with both peers and educators. It reinforced my passion for teaching and strengthened my confidence as I step into my career.

How did you learn about this experience?

I first learned about this opportunity during my freshman year in an Elementary Education Learning Community class. A few ISU education staff members visited our class to give a presentation highlighting the various study abroad programs available to education majors. Following that, I attended several study abroad fairs throughout the semester, which provided more detailed information about specific sites and allowed me to connect directly with site supervisors and ask questions.

International Connections