Submitted by Cameron Capp on the 2019 winter session study abroad program in New Zealand sponsored by the Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition…
Looking back at my first week in New Zealand, sea kayaking stood out to me the most. Not because I had never experienced it before, but because it was different than past occurrences. To begin, the scenery was unreal. There was not a single piece of garbage or disturbance to the beach. This really demonstrated how much the Kiwis value their environment and sustain their natural ecosystem. Being able to witness seals jumping out of the water also is not something common in the United States. The kayak guides were awesome. All three were extremely knowledgeable about the surrounding mountains, ocean, and animals. Along with being educational, they were beyond friendly and made the experience enjoyable. A combination of these factors helped establish a trusting relationship. This is important, especially in a foreign country, to feel safe in case of an emergency and just overall comfortable. Building off of that idea, I feel as though our group has already established a strong sense of community. This has helped ease the transition between countries and also institute trust. I cannot wait to see what the next few weeks have to offer!
