Madison Bear

Overall Experience

I will remember my time in New Zealand forever. It was a wild ride that allowed me to grow immensely. It very quickly felt like home. There was a large cohort of study abroad students all living in the same area of the city, which created a sense of community. I met people from all over the world and learned so much from their lives. I got really close with my flatmates. The five of us would make dinner for each other every night. My classes were interesting, and my professors genuinely cared about the well-being and success of each of their students. The nature was spectacular. The campus was just a few miles from the coastal beaches and many hiking opportunities. It was also very accessible to arrange transportation across the country to explore further. I got to take a few trips around the South Island and the Pacific. I never could have prepared for the incredible experiences, memories, and connections that I've made during this time.

Learning experience

I learned so much from my time abroad. One thing that stands out is the opportunity to learn from individuals with different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. I was a little worried going into this experience because of my lack of worldliness and exposure. But instead of this becoming a barrier to connection, it became an opportunity to build much deeper friendships. In one of my classes, we learned motivational interviewing skills and examined many different cases of individual goals and outlooks, to practice going into a health profession, working with people. This class let me consider perspectives that I never had before and how to help someone going through something in a way I may not relate to. By meeting them where they are, asking open questions with genuine thoughtfulness, and letting them tell you their experience before assuming, you can build understanding and connection with clients or others, as well as provide care in a way that aligns appropriately. Curiosity can be a superpower!

Memorable experience

During the mid-semester break, I had the opportunity to travel to Fiji with a friend from home. This trip forced me to grow out of my comfort zone in so many ways. I learned how to stay in a hostel and get a taxi on my own. We made friends with other travelers from around the world. We roamed the country by bus and by ferry and had to seek help from the locals. My favorite part was our time on Naviti Island in a small village with the most amazing people. They welcomed us into their home and took care of us as family. They told us their stories and taught us their language. We sang with the children and wowed them with our little karaoke machine. They live a slower, simpler life on "Fiji time" and have the biggest hearts to help each other. While on the island, a hurricane passed nearby and we were stranded on the island for three days past when we were supposed to leave. This meant I had to change my flight, accommodations, and transportation with very limited cell service. I could have been scared and upset, but I was on an island in the middle of the ocean, safe and loved in this community. I was having the time of my life! And after all of it, I've found that the experience is even more perfect when nothing goes to plan, but ends up working out exactly how it should.

What did you not expect?

Something that surprised me about my experience at the University of was the way that classes and exams were structured. Classes were set on odd days, times, and often in different places. For example, I would have a class on Monday morning, Tuesday afternoon, and Thursday morning, as opposed to Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning. All lectures were recorded, so attendance was very low, and the course load was only 3-4 papers. There were only a few large assignments for classes, and then a final exam worth around 50% of the grade. The final exams were largely written essays, encouraging thoughtful engagement and comprehension of the content. This flexible structure allowed for more balance in life, getting to do and see more outside of school. I want to bring this notion into my life and profession and remember that success comes from more than work and productivity. I also need to make time for exploration and adventure.

What advice would you give?

I would tell others wanting to have an experience like this to just go for it. Do it and do it afraid. Say yes to new adventures. At times, it can feel so unknown, but you will find like-minded people to make memories with, as well as people to help you out along the way. You will learn and grow in ways you never imagined and have experiences you will remember forever.

How has this experience impacted your life?

Studying in New Zealand has opened my eyes to the wonder of wandering the world. Through my travels within New Zealand and the Pacific, I found that I love seeking out new experiences, adventuring, and learning from the world and the people around me. I want to be like a sponge and soak it all in. This has made me realize that I want to prioritize travel more and spend time living in different places. I intend to become a naturopathic physician in the women's health space, utilizing natural processes to cultivate wellness. This experience has made me consider a partially online practice so that I can work from anywhere and have a broader reach to help people in various areas. My classes and outside experiences in New Zealand have exposed me to different perspectives and walks of life that I had not considered in depth previously. Toward my future practice, I have learned that everyone has a different background that lays the foundation for the way they live. As a practitioner, this is not something to fear or feel like you have to be an expert on everything. Having an open, curious mind and a big heart can go a long way in understanding someone's situation and how best to help them.

How did you learn about this experience?

I learned about this opportunity through the Study Abroad website. I explored the options available and then discussed further with the staff. Speaking with them and getting my questions answered was very helpful in deciding on a program that aligned with my goals and what I wanted from the experience.

International Connections