Even the fact that you are considering a year abroad suggests that you will be ok, not everyone is brave enough to even think about it!

Why did you decide to study abroad?

It seemed like such an incredible opportunity to really integrate into a new culture in a supported environment.

What were your top three highlights whilst studying abroad?

1. Spontaneous travel! So much of my travel within New Zealand and Australia was planned within a few weeks or even days and turned out to be so fun and memorable. Developing the confidence to travel on the spur of the moment has been so freeing.

2. Meeting people from totally new cultures, not just New Zealand's! I feel like I have a much better understanding of so many places in the world now.

3. Integrating into kiwi culture, which is so diverse and interesting.

What would you say to someone who was unsure about spending a period abroad?

You are so much more capable than you believe yourself to be. Even the fact that you are considering a year abroad suggests that you will be ok, not everyone is brave enough to even think about it!

What is the one thing you wish you'd known before you left?

I wish I had researched into the practicalities of travel within New Zealand. There is extremely little public transport outside of the cities and the really beautiful remote places are essentially impossible to visit without a car, which means you either have to buy a car or continuously rent one out. There are some great schemes such as 'car relocation' which is a cheaper way to travel but it is something that shocked me a bit, especially coming from Europe where public transport is so extensive and good.