by Aria Kerebs

Over the course of my exchange, I have made many friends, all from different places! I am fortunate enough to have a suitemate who is also here at UH Hilo on exchange, but instead of being on international exchange, she is here through the national student exchange programme! In fact, it has been with people on national student exchange that I have found my closest friends, and I can now confidently say I have friends from Pennsylvania, Colorado, Iowa, New York, Nebraska, Arizona, and many other states. Having friends from the United States has helped me in so many ways, even just with little things like working out how to tip and giving me the low-down on cultural differences. In return, I bless them with the wonders of rugby union and the rugby world cup, and I have well and truly converted everyone to being die-hard All Blacks supporters.

This past week the international student association here at UH Hilo hosted its yearly ‘United Nations Day’ with tables displaying the various nations represented here at UH Hilo, followed by a parade of flags, people, and cultural pride. I was fortunate enough to represent New Zealand during this event, and although it was nerve-wracking waving the New Zealand flag by myself, it was definitely worth it. 

All in all, I am loving my time here and being able to experience a new culture that is so similar in aspects, but also so completely different is exciting. But as all good Kiwi “ambassadors” should do, I’ve managed to convince my friends to come visit me back in Aotearoa New Zealand!