By Waitī Delaney

Kia ora e te iwi,

When the opportunity came to spend a semester on the other side of the world in Stirling, Scotland, I knew I had to make the most of it! Therefore, I decided to combine my exchange and my plans to go on my first big (mostly) solo trip around Europe (that I’ve been saving for since college). So when trimester A at Waikato came to a close, I moved out of my flat, packed up my life into a massive backpack and set off. My sister and I embarked on our shared holiday, landing in London before heading on a lovely journey through Greece and Italy, before I was on my lonesome with the world ahead of me. I journeyed through Switzerland and France, where I got to reunite with a dear friend, whom I met when they came to Waikato on their exchange. I then circled back to the UK to break up my trip with a Summer School module at University College London. I then bounced from Croatia to the Netherlands before starting the most jam-packed part of my journey, my Interrail. Starting in Paris, I aimed to follow the journey of the famed Orient Express all the way to Istanbul, Turkey. This added another six countries to my list and a boatload of amazing experiences, before I made the mad dash back to the UK to start my studies at the University of Stirling, Scotland. While I’ve been here, I have absolutely loved exploring the local area, as well as taking a trip to Edinburgh. I hope to squeeze in a few more little trips before my time comes to an end in Europe, but I have been absolutely changed by this experience. If you had told a younger me that I got to make this dream a reality, I would not have believed you. So I am endlessly thankful for the Waikato Global Experiences team for getting me here and for their support in the form of the Waikato Global Experiences Travel Award, e kore ngā mihi e mutu!

After that whirlwind trip, I have been really enjoying the change of pace while settling in here, in Stirling, Scotland. When I arrived at the university, it was lush with greenery around the campus, surrounding Loch (river) Airthrey, which weaves through the campus. It has been so gorgeous to see the trees turn into a sea of red, yellow and orange as autumn has set in. Stirling Town is a lovely place to spend a day, whether that’s curled up with a book in the hideaway book and coffee shop, The Book Nook, or studying away with your Student discount cuppa at The Burgh Coffeehouse. The Atrium on campus has all your daily needs with a pharmacist, convenience shop, cafes and connects to the library and the main lecture and seminar buildings. There are always events going on around the university, and there are also a multitude of clubs and societies to join. From Art Club to the Wild Swimming Society, there is something for you. I have joined the Musical Theatre and A capella societies and volunteer from time to time at the community garden. There is also a lot going on in the local community. I have personally loved heading along to the local youth folk music club and attending as many Cèilidh (traditional Scottish dances) as I can.

Overall, my travel and exchange have been amazing, bonkers and life-changing. If you are considering an exchange, I’d really encourage you to go for it. It has been tough to save up the money for this trip and to be away from my friends and whānau for so long, but I know I will be returning a better version of myself when I do. If you’re considering Stirling, I would also highly recommend it, but make sure to rug up if you’re coming this time of year, because if this autumn is anything to go by, winter will be no joke!

Noho ora mai, 

Leith Waitī Delaney