by Andrea Jacob Philip

Highlights from my Global Experience

• Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Florida: I celebrated my New Year 2023 in Florida and it was an amazing experience. We went to a park where there were fireworks, concerts, and some really yummy food stalls.
• Seeing my host university for the first time: While it was really hard to get around it when I finally saw the university I was awestruck! It was definitely something new from its architecture to seeing squirrels everywhere and even lizards in sign boards.
• Eating my first ever Chipotle bowl: Okay so this may seem really irrelevant but if you have a bowl of this goodness you would understand what I mean!! The best part of the global experience is that you get to try food chains that aren’t available in your home country.
• Shopping in new places: From Target to Walmart, it was a new change from our Countdown to New World.
• Setting up my dorm: I have never lived away from my home so staying in a dorm with a roommate was a whole new change. Even with limited decorations, I had tried to make a home away from home.
• Spring break: I was able to travel to New York for my spring break and over there I was able to experience the true American culture. From walking in the busy streets of Manhattan to seeing all the tourist places, I sure had a fun time. And not to forget the classic New Yorker pizza!
• Watching a Broadway show: This was my first ever time going to a live music show and it was a splendid time! I had watched “Bad Cinderella”, and I still remember sitting there and singing along to the new songs I learned that day.
• Going to a cat cafe: SO AS A CAT LOVER I FINALLY WENT TO A CAT CAFE!!
• Travel: Experiencing the Florida beach (Clearwater Beach)

My biggest challenge

My biggest challenge was the sudden weather changes. Most of the days there were unexpected thunderstorm warnings. But at the same time, I realized why Florida was called the Sunshine State. I had packed mostly winter clothing due to hearing from people that it was cold but after a couple of days, it was really sunny and hot. I wasn’t someone who wore caps but when migraines started becoming frequent I knew it was time to put on a cap to save myself from the scorching sun and pain!

What I learned

I learned that sometimes the things that look scary or hard aren’t that bad actually. When I first started going to my classes and meeting new people, I did get social anxiety and was worried if this was right for me. But then I realized I judged too quickly because, after a few days, I was liking it. One of my classes was small and due to this, our class was relatively closer. Sometimes in life, we have to take a few steps which may seem uncomfortable but you have to understand that after that few steps, it’s going to get easy. I never imagined myself in a new country and studying there for a semester, but I got that amazing opportunity. And happily, I can say I had some of the best moments in these past few months that I’ll always cherish.

My travel essentials

• Travel documents: Passport, NZ Driver’s License (this was helpful for identification requirements in the dorm), and documents that I got from the embassy.
• Debit cards and cash: I carried both my NZ card and an international one. For an international debit card, I would recommend ‘Wise’, be mindful of applying it early as it takes time to get the physical card in the mail. Also, I carried cash in USD for initial needs.
• Electronics and accessories: I did carry an extra phone so that I can put my NZ sim there and use the US sim in my current phone. A power bank is a must!! It’s going to be a lifesaver for trips.
• Toiletries: Buy items that won’t be available there which you use (P.S. You get most stuff there so check beforehand to make sure you won’t make the same mistake as me by packing lots.) I carried my prescription medicines and medical supplies.
• Travel accessories: I had a travel pillow for the flights and it helped me very much in having a good sleep.
• Get a water filter as it’s going to be needed.

Tips for surviving long-haul flights

Coming back home

I guess it finally hit that I’m back when I was at the arrival port in Auckland Airport and heard the officer say “Welcome back home”. It all just felt like it went in a flash. I remember hugging my family and leaving a few months back. But just like that, I was in the same place and this time returning. It was mixed emotions for me and all I could think was “Time does run ay!”