Joseph Morrow, junior Aerospace Engineering, Massey University Palmerston North, New Zealand

As a third year student in aerospace engineering, I have not had the opportunity to take a large variety of classes in the “soft sciences.” Fortunately, aerospace engineering is not a common major here in New Zealand, so I have been able to take advantage of a different educational experiences. One that deals primarily with New Zealand-specific subjects, such as NZ sociology and the study of the native Maori culture. Assignments remain few and far between; the final exam will account for most of our academic marks. Consequently, I’ve spent most of my time traveling.

“Is New Zealand as beautiful as everyone says?” (Or rather, as the Lord of the Rings made it out to be?) That’s the first thing everyone asks when I tell them I’m studying in New Zealand. I cannot lie – like every country, some of its locations are more beautiful than others. But if you know where to look, the natural beauty of this country can be absolutely breathtaking. How could it not be? With more than 15,000 km of coastline, hundreds of smaller islands, and three snowy, active volcanoes just 200 km north of where I live, NZ has some of the most diverse topographical features in the world.

The true beauty of NZ reaches beyond geographical landmarks and coastal sunrises. It lies in its potential. Between the occasional humanities assignment and intermittent class attendance I have had the opportunity to dream many plans, plan many dreams, and turn my dreams into reality. With a few good friends I have swam in the Pacific Ocean, watched the sunset over the Tasman Sea, retraced Frodo’s footsteps on Mt. Ngauruhoe, skied the backcountry slopes of Mt. Ruapehu, and done so much more. This semester has made anything seem possible – it’s going to be hard to come home again.

Jessica Chaplin, Junior – Biochemistry, Universidad de Concepción Concepción, Chile

Hola NCSU! I am studying in Chile for the fall semester at the Universidad de Concepción — what a shock! I have never seen so many trees and uncultivated countryside: there are beautiful views everywhere, no matter how it looks where you are standing. I have fallen in love with the people, including all of the things that make them different from the United States. The first thing I realized was that breakfast wasn’t much, lunch is their dinner, and dinner is tea — unless you are young. Fortunately there is plenty to eat on campus, where I study translation, Spanish for foreigners, literature, and analytical chemistry. I am one of two foreigners in my translation class, and the only one in chemistry and literature. Luckily, Chilean students are fascinated by foreigners, so they do everything they can to help me understand the courses…did I mention they’re in Spanish? I have been so lucky to have such an experience at N.C. State, and I now believe in culture shock. Though I think my professors at home would be in shock that when spring comes the professors here expect students to not show up! For everyone who always thought studying abroad was for those international studies majors, think again. I’m in biochemistry in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and I’m loving it!