Quinn Bolander I participated in the volunteer weekend on Matiu/Somes Island in the Wellington harbor. Semester Abroad: February 2009 Host University: Victoria University of Wellington Home University: Elmhurst College Academic Major: Communications Please describe your volunteer opportunity. I participated in the volunteer weekend on Matiu/Somes Island in the Wellington harbor. It was by far one of the most amazing weekends throughout my entire time in New Zealand. Not only did I help the environment, but I became close with a small group of people that I hardly knew beforehand. I grew as a person and learned the importance of helping others. It amazes me that so much can happen in such a short amount of time, but I am truly grateful for a wonderful weekend of conservation and friendship!
How did you find out about this opportunity? GlobaLinks deserves a lot of credit for offering such an enriching and fun weekend to a small group of students. Even before I applied to my school in New Zealand, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the volunteer weekend. By simply answering a few questions, I was placed in the volunteer program. I was rewarded with an extremely satisfying weekend of contributing to the New Zealand environment and a chance to gain ultimate respect for the outdoors and the people who help conserve it.
What did you learn about yourself personally through this experience abroad? I highly enjoy volunteering and being able to volunteer in a country that has given me so much in two and a half months. In two days, I grew in a way that I am now able to recognize how important it is to live a life that you are proud of, and to spend time helping others. I have spent a lot of time outdoors in my life, but I did not gain true appreciation for it until I was “one with nature” on the volunteer weekend.
How did this experience help you adjust to life abroad? Studying abroad is an important time to spread your wings and get to know people. Being able to spend the weekend outdoors and with new friends was a wonderful experience!
What cultural differences and similarities did you see as a result of this experience? Coming from a small town in Illinois, I grew up with cornfields and cows. Spending a weekend on an island that is mammal free, I was introduced to a new way of conservation. While I come from a farming town, life on Matiu/Somes Island is different in every way, and the history and culture of the Maori people and the island was incredible to learn about. Environment protection is important, and spending two days on an island and working with new species of trees and plants, introduced me to something completely unlike anything I have ever seen.
What advice can you give to future students who are interested in being an active participant in their study abroad experience? To get the most out of your time abroad, you must associate yourself with the culture of your country. As a student, I am taking three Maori related classes that have taught me an immense amount of information about culture, language, and performing arts. This has been my best study abroad decision so far and I feel that it is an extremely important part of the experience. Where else in the world would I be able to learn how to say “Kia Ora! Ko Quinn tāku ingoa.” |