By Izzy Steane

Kia ora! I’m Izzy and I’m studying a Bachelor of Sport and Human Performance, majoring in Healthy Active Living, at the University of Waikato. This semester I had the opportunity to study abroad at Purdue University Fort Wayne, and it has been one of the most eye-opening, challenging and rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.

Before classes began, I spent some time travelling, which ended up being a brilliant way to ease into life in the United States. One of my highlights was visiting the Smoky Mountains, where I spent time hiking and taking in incredible scenery. I also stopped in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, two places I had heard almost nothing about. After driving through quiet forest roads with absolutely no sign of civilisation, suddenly arriving in Pigeon Forge was genuinely incomprehensible. The scale, lights and intensity of it appeared out of nowhere. I was completely speechless. I barely took any photos in the moment, only a few videos, because I was too busy trying to wrap my head around what I was seeing. Pigeon Forge itself is a long entertainment strip filled with attractions, neon signs and themed experiences, almost like a small theme-park city hidden in the mountains. It was easily one of the most unexpected moments of my trip.

Another standout was visiting Garden of the Gods, where I arrived just in time for sunset. Watching the light change over the rock formations was unforgettable, and I’m including one of my favourite photos from that evening. It was one of those moments where you can’t help but stop and take everything in.

Once I settled into university life, I had the chance to visit the main Purdue campus in West Lafayette for a football game. The energy of the crowd, along with the marching bands, cheerleaders and constant noise in the stadium, made the whole experience feel more like a large-scale celebration than a traditional sporting event. There was a strong sense of school pride and community that really stood out. It was a memorable way to experience American student culture first-hand.

Of course, the exchange came with challenges. Fort Wayne is an extremely car-reliant city, and getting around without a car was genuinely difficult. As the campus is largely a commuter campus, social life sometimes felt spread out, and simple things like getting groceries became a bit of an obstacle. The dining hall also closed on weekends, which didn’t help. I made it work by ordering groceries and planning ahead, but it definitely taught me patience and flexibility.

Overall, the exchange has taught me a huge amount about myself. I’ve learnt how important it is to put myself in unfamiliar situations and be comfortable stepping outside my routine. I’ve also gained a stronger understanding of people from different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs, which will be invaluable in my future work in health, performance and inclusive practice. I now feel more confident applying my knowledge and working with a wide range of people.

One of the biggest highlights has simply been the friendships I made. Meeting people from all over the world has broadened my perspective and given me a much stronger sense of belonging in a global community.

This exchange has shaped me academically, personally and professionally, and I’m incredibly grateful for the experience.