I recently began my study abroad in New Zealand through UA’s honors program. I was originally intrigued by this program because New Zealand has always been a country that has piqued my interest, and I thought study abroad was the perfect opportunity to visit this country and learn about its culture.
Prior to my arrival I was informed of a few things to keep in mind: it is winter in New Zealand, there is a 17 hour time difference, and they drive on the left side of the road. The first two points made me truly realize that I was heading for the opposite side of the world, somewhere so unknown and foreign to me. The last point led me to think of the English, so I began to research the country and learn about their English colonization and eventual independence. From this research I was expecting a more British and European feel to the country, however I was surprised when I learned about the heavy influence of the indigenous Māori people.
We have been in Auckland, New Zealand for three days now and I have already learned so much about the Māori culture and its heavy influence in northern New Zealand. On our first day here we had a guest presentation from a native who told us a little bit about the culture and customs of the Māori people, after this I quickly noticed how prevalent the culture is in the city. It is even mandatory that schools teach the language in their curriculum.
These experiences have shaped my first impressions of Aukland to be a city that is proud of its cultural origins and committed to preserving its influence.
