Taking the exchange opportunity was an ideal way for me to completely break the routine habit pattern that I’d settled into, explore further and re-configure my entire life-style; while seeing new countries and remaining on track with my degree course.

In life, we may find ourselves settled into a comfortable routine, in which we slowly become less involved and proactive. Inevitably in a new place the opportunities and activities differ to home. Being in an entirely new setting, I found myself perhaps more open and seeking than I had been. This combination provided a great chance to try new things and re-evaluate the things that had taken precedence and priority in my life previously. I started a number of new activities while studying in New Zealand, including: rock climbing; yoga and environmental campaigning.

I felt there was definite benefit in being in a new place, the chance to explore and expand my world-view was very beneficial. I travelled quite extensively in New Zealand, and other countries after my study-period (including, Australia, China and Tibet). I met a great variety of people during this period too, kiwis that I lived and studied with, other students from extra-curricular activities, local people and other exchange students from all over the world. I feel it was quite a broadening experience to have met and shared views and ideas with such a range of people. I find it interesting that many of the foreign exchange students I met also seemed to be appreciating the jump-change of lifestyle, the freedom to start again for a semester and try something completely different.

This said, for me the exchange wasn’t all about leaving behind the past and casting off old attachments. Indeed, I found it was a time when I really began to appreciate certain aspects of Nottingham, home and the UK in general. In terms of activities and of course friends and family, the time you spend away can help you to have a more appreciative view. This doesn’t have to take a negative ‘home sick’ form either; from my perspective I think it was more a case of appreciation.

While I was exploring New Zealand and trying to make the most of my time there, I realised how much I still have to explore around Nottingham, the UK and Europe. I’d flown half way around the world, and many of the Kiwis I met were quite in awe of the idea that Europe was just ‘on my doorstep’ back home. I’ve been to a number of places in Europe, but I’ve never really explored extensively. I definitely feel more of an inclination to investigate the things and places that are closer to home, as a result of my experience. People generally don’t appreciate their home town or country, but in reality few people have really travelled or explored them thoroughly, exactly because of this mind-set! I also observed this behaviour in many of the New Zealanders I met.

I feel that the experience and subsequent learning that I’ve gained from my study abroad have helped me to develop my life perspective and understanding of the world around me. It was a great opportunity; I was able to do all this without even putting my degree on hold. I would recommend it to anyone, I would also recommend making the most of the time, staying open to opportunities; and whatever happens, learning and allowing the experience to change and alter your views.