Submitted by Sarah Brown on the 2020 winter session program in New Zealand sponsored by the Department of Animal and Food Sciences…
Before studying abroad, I had never left the United States, so I knew I would encounter some new experiences traveling across the world to New Zealand. Upon first arriving in a new country, it is nearly impossible not to compare it to home. As soon as the group got off the plane in Christchurch, we boarded a bus that took us to our dorm– driving on the left side of the road. It is harder to adjust to driving on the other side of the road than I would have expected! When driving left through a roundabout, or making a left turn (the same way Americans would turn right), I cannot help, but feel anxious that we are turning into oncoming traffic before remembering where I am! The seasons are also opposite in New Zealand; my winter coat is at home while I am spending the month of January in T-shirts!
Coming from Delaware, where the land is nearly flat and sea level, I am awed by the stretch of mountains rising above Christchurch. Hiking to the top of one was quite challenging though! A few days into the program, I hiked a trail called Bridle Path with the other students in the program up to the top of a mountain near Lyttelton Harbor– a climb of 1,060 feet! After catching my breath, I saw a view of the harbor that locals told us to photograph, or else no one would believe it existed! The change of scenery in New Zealand has reminded me to stop and take in the view. It is easy to forget how beautiful nature is when you are accustomed to the grind of life at home.
The focus of my study abroad program is on animal agriculture. Our first few classes covered the differences in raising dairy cows. In the United States, cows stay close to the barn. The farmers give them a mixture of hay and grass to eat, as though they are eating from a salad bar. They are larger and produce more milk than cows in New Zealand. Cows in New Zealand remain outside in the field and only eat grass. Because they are walking more to graze, they are smaller and produce less milk. These differences make sense because Americans drink much more milk. In New Zealand, milk is used for other dairy products or sent to other countries. They do not need to produce as much milk as a result.
As a tourist and student, I have already been exposed to a different way of life in just the first few days of my study abroad program. I really enjoy learning and seeing things that differ from the United States. There is not one particular way to do anything. I am thankful to be studying abroad and gaining a different view of the world.
