Go Your Own Way

Hi! In October I will be traveling half way around the world to New Zealand. I will be student teaching at Swanson Primary School and I will be working with nine year olds. Swanson is located on the northern island and about 50 miles from Auckland airport. Many people have asked me why I chose to go abroad specifically why New Zealand and I said Why Not!? To me this is a chance of a lifetime and I am prepared for the crazy adventure that is awaiting me.

When I first came to St. Norbert I never thought that I would be the type of person who would even be interested in traveling abroad. As time went on and I heard of all the amazing stories and experiences all of my friends had experienced while abroad. I started looking into ways to go abroad and going during student teaching was one of the only things that would fit. It was also a great fit for me not gone for a whole semester to get home sick but enough to get immersed in the culture. Another thing that helped for me was taking the j-term class to New Orleans this experience opened my eyes to traveling and really pushed me to keep discovering who I am.

A professional goal of mine is to immerse myself in the education system trying to see everything I can to take back to the United States. I am very excited to see exactly how their school day is set up and if the role of the teacher is similar to American teachers. I also will be interested in their literacy approach knowing that they are leaders in this field. I think it will make me stronger as a teacher and realize that I can teach with very little and still get my students to be successful.

A personal goal of mine is to live life to the fullest while in New Zealand. I am looking this as an experience of a lifetime that I am not going to let slip by. I want to experience everything that I can so I will say yes to it all. I sometimes over think things so I am willing to experience some things that I may not be use to and will do it with excitement! I can't wait to see how I have grown and changed at the end of this experience and see the person that I am constantly involving into. I don't want any regrets on this trip so I can't wait to start planning all the exciting adventures with Liz my travel buddy. I think we are going to have a blast and can't wait to see what lies ahead for my life. October can get here anytime now!

Here are some facts about New Zealand:

Population: 4,430,400

Capital: Wellington

Language:English and Maori

Political: Queen Elizabeth II is officially Queen of New Zealand. She is represented in New Zealand by a Governor General, who ratifies all laws put before him or her by the elected parliament of New Zealand.
Weather:

• Spring - September, October, November- High 67  Low 48
• Summer - December, January, February-  High 76  Low 56
• Autumn - March, April, May-  High 70  Low 52
• Winter - June, July, August-  High 61  Low 45

The main portions of the country are the North and South Islands that are seperated by the Cook Straight. North Island is volcanically active with a central plateau. South Island has the high snow covered mountain peaks and glaciers of the Southern Alps.
Currency: 1 New Zealand dollar = .8087 US dollar

Culture: New Zealand European and Maori
. New Zealanders are friendly, outgoing, somewhat reserved initially yet polite, and enjoy extending hospitality.
. They are quite easy to get to know as they say hello to strangers and will offer assistance without being asked.
Terminology:
Kiwi = people of New Zealand
banger =sausage
Bob's your uncle =there ya go-that's all there is to it
cheers =goodbye, thanks
jumper =woolen sweater
lemonade =7up
rubber =eraser
sarnie =sandwich

Stay tuned for more of my adventure until then....Cheers!