Kaitlyn Forney

Overall Experience

Looking back on my student teaching experience in New Zealand, I’ve been able to reflect on the deep impact it’s had on me and the insights I’ve gained for my future in education. From the moment we stepped foot in Alexandra, I was in awe. Surrounded by stunning scenery, a warm and welcoming community, and many incredible places to explore, I immediately felt that this would be a perfect place to grow personally and professionally. Although I was initially nervous to travel to a completely different country with people I hadn’t met before, I was quickly comforted by the kindness and genuineness of the town. Once I began my first day at Terrace School, I began adjusting to the new school system and its unique way of learning. I had the pleasure of student teaching for eight weeks, working with 21 amazing first- and second-graders. The students were thrilled to work with American student teachers and were eager to learn more about our culture. From forming meaningful relationships with students to engaging in rich cultural experiences, like participating in Kapa Haka, the traditional Māori dance, I was fully immersed in what makes New Zealand’s education system so special. Their student-centered approach emphasizes hands-on learning, community involvement, and nature-based activities. One of my favorite memories from the trip was visiting Dunedin, a town just two hours from Alexandra, where we saw penguins in their natural habitat and learned more about animal life cycles in New Zealand. I am beyond grateful for this learning experience and will forever cherish the memories and meaningful connections I made.

Learning experience

Of the many insights I gained from teaching in New Zealand, one of the biggest takeaways was the importance of saying yes to new experiences and opportunities. As someone who enjoys adventure, stepping outside my comfort zone in such a meaningful way was truly enlightening. From learning different cultural customs, currency conversions, systems of measurement and time, to exploring New Zealand's unique history, sports, and food, I found myself more curious about the world around me than ever before. This experience has inspired me to bring these teachable moments back into my future classroom in the United States. I developed a deep appreciation for New Zealand’s diversity and its strong emphasis on honoring cultural roots and history. One of my favorite moments was being part of the school’s Mihi Whakatau—a formal welcoming ceremony—where the student teachers were greeted with a plant as a symbol of acceptance. We witnessed firsthand how Māori songs and dances are beautifully woven into the fabric of the school culture. I will truly miss the sense of community, the rich learning experiences, and the vibrant culture of New Zealand.

Memorable experience

One of the best parts about New Zealand was the abundance of natural sites to explore and the thrill of embracing adventure and hiking. One of the most unforgettable places we visited was Rangitoto Island, located in Auckland. During this incredible experience, another student teacher and I kayaked across the South Pacific Ocean to reach Rangitoto—one of New Zealand’s youngest dormant volcanoes. From there, we joined a guided hike up the volcano, where we learned about its geological history and cultural significance while challenging ourselves with a longer trek. Reaching the summit was breathtaking—we could see the entire city of Auckland spread out before us, a stunning blend of nature and urban life. After hiking back down, we cooked a delicious steak dinner in the woods and kayaked back under a starlit sky. Along the way, we saw bioluminescent fireflies, unique New Zealand birds like the tūī and the saddleback, and even the remnants of the volcano’s last eruption 500 years ago. Back at the school, one of my favorite classroom moments was reading The BFG by Roald Dahl with the students. We brought the characters of the BFG and Sophie to life through storytelling and imagination, and even created our own dream jars to symbolize the power of big dreams and making a positive impact. It was a beautiful way to blend creativity, literacy, and goal-setting all in one.

What did you not expect?

Among the many new experiences I had in New Zealand, the thing that surprised me the most was the difference in language and cultural customs between the students and me. While teaching, I quickly noticed the differences in pronunciation—especially with vowels, such as the English /a/ versus the New Zealand /a/. I also discovered fun and interesting vocabulary differences, like "togs" for swimsuits and "full stops" for periods. It was fascinating to see the roots of these terms and how naturally students used them in conversation. Beyond language, I was also intrigued by several cultural customs that were new to me. For example, New Zealand doesn’t have a tipping culture, as gratuity is already built into the cost of goods and services. At school, students were required to show their lunch to a teacher before throwing it away to ensure they had eaten enough fruits, vegetables, and food for the day—a small but meaningful way to promote healthy eating habits. What stood out most, though, was the level of responsibility and independence students were encouraged to have. They were expected to use polite manners, take ownership of classroom jobs, and engage in their work with very minimal use of technology. It was such a refreshing perspective on learning and responsibility—definitely a new and eye-opening experience.

What advice would you give?

As a novice teacher stepping into a new education system and a completely different country, my biggest piece of advice is to be open and prepared for new experiences and customs. Teaching practices, people, culture, and traditions can differ greatly, so doing your research beforehand is incredibly helpful. It not only helps you understand what to expect but also shows respect for the country you're entering and the community you'll be part of. I’d also highly recommend having the courage to engage with the locals. There are so many kind and welcoming people who are more than happy to share stories about the town, their experiences living in Alexandra, and places worth exploring. Some of the most meaningful and memorable moments come from these spontaneous conversations. Soak it all in, stay curious, and be ready to fully immerse yourself in the experience—it’s one you’ll carry with you for a lifetime!

How has this experience impacted your life?

This experience has impacted my life in tremendous ways. Not only was I able to make meaningful connections and lasting memories with my students and mentor teacher, but I also learned so much about myself throughout this journey. Teaching a classroom full of students with diverse learning styles was deeply fulfilling and will forever leave a mark on me. I’m incredibly grateful to have had such an amazing mentor teacher who allowed me to take ownership of my teaching, encouraged creativity and flexibility in the classroom, and supported me in building strong, authentic relationships with my students. I also formed close friendships with the other student teachers I traveled with—we explored new places together and made unforgettable memories along the way. Above all else, I discovered so much about my own courage, open-mindedness, and ability to adapt to change. This experience pushed me to grow in ways I never imagined, and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to experience the world beyond the United States.

How did you learn about this experience?

I first learned about this opportunity during the Student Teaching meeting in my junior year of college. During that meeting, our professors reviewed the rules, regulations, and procedures for student teaching, as well as the different placement options available, including the chance to teach abroad. As soon as I heard that, my ears perked up. I’ve always loved to dive into new adventures and embrace unique experiences, and this felt like the perfect fit. Looking back now, my entire perspective on teaching has shifted because of this opportunity. Teaching in a new country expanded my understanding of education, culture, and connection in ways I never imagined—and I wouldn’t change anything about it.

International Connections