My life in New Zealand was filled with diversity. Various languages coexisted with affectionate people of many backgrounds coming together in beautiful natural environments. I applied for the Global Language Program at Chonnam National University because I wanted to experience diverse languages and cultures. The main reason I chose New Zealand was because of its natural environment. I wanted to enjoy everything from fantastic mountainous terrain to blue lakes and oceans in different seasons. Since it is also home to people from various backgrounds, I expected to have more opportunities to understand and respect different cultures than I would in most other countries.

My School Life
During my approximately five-month stay in the country, I took various English-related classes at Lincoln University. Students usually had one class per week focusing on a major theme, among which were classes aimed at enhancing various language skills such as writing, reading, listening, and speaking. In the writing class, we wrote essays according to specific formats, while in the reading class, we studied vocabulary and words used in the texts we read in class. Lastly, in the listening and speaking class, we had the best time understanding friends from different cultures by discussing each country's culture related to the weekly theme.

Lincoln University offered varied events, enabling student participation in activities such as sharing food, pop-up stores, club introduction days, wine tastings, and daily gym classes. Among them, wine tasting left the strongest impression on me. The university had farms where various crops and livestock were raised, with products developed from harvested items. Researchers at the university developed wine from grapes harvested on campus, and students were allowed to taste the wine. The process from grape harvesting to wine production at the university was impressive.

Nature and Biodiversity
When I think of New Zealand, I picture lush green meadows dotted with sheep and beautiful rivers. I had high expectations for such stunning natural scenery before I visited the country, and I thoroughly enjoyed it during my time there. Every morning, on the bus ride to university campus, I admired the sheep and cows grazing in the expansive meadows. After school, I relaxed in a park, finding solace under the shade of many trees. During holidays, I explored the country’s diverse natural environments.

I experienced three seasons in New Zealand: summer, autumn, and winter. With each season, the landscape of the country underwent significant changes, allowing me to experience its diversity fully. In summer, I visited Sumner Beach and indulged in ice cream while enjoying the sandy shore and the sound of crashing waves. In autumn, I traveled to Queenstown, a picturesque town with beautiful lakes. There, I dared to try paragliding. Despite my fears, I did not hesitate to take on paragliding because I wanted to see the town's stunning scenery from high above. Viewing the town from the sky felt like witnessing a beautiful masterpiece painted by nature, with its azure sky, lakes, and mountains that I could not forget. New Zealand's winter is not as chilly as Korea's, but if you head to the south of New Zealand, you can witness perennial snow and glaciers. After a three-hour trek on Mount Cook, one amid many mountains, I reached a lake emitting mysterious sounds, where a glacier was present. Fortunately, the weather was clear, allowing me to witness the perennial snow at the mountaintop.

My Family in New Zealand
I did a homestay in New Zealand. The homestay family I stayed with consisted of a delicate Donna, a friendly Steven, and an adorable cat. Every morning, Donna would pack me a lunchbox and drive me to the bus stop for school. Steve would greet me warmly and inform me about the day's weather. New Zealanders often say that the weather there is so changeable that you can experience four seasons in a day. In the evenings, we would sit together and share stories over dinner.

The most memorable moment during my homestay was when I cooked Korean food for them. To celebrate Mother's Day, I made kimbap and bulgogi, which they enjoyed immensely. Donna even proudly told her friends, "My daughter made Korean food for me, and it was delicious." Through such joyful experiences, I found a precious family in New Zealand. While others may find studying abroad lonely, I never felt alone. Although I felt sad when returning to Korea, I look forward to the day when I can see them again.

Diversity and Inclusion
While living in New Zealand, I learned about diversity. People from different countries and cultures live together among varied animals and plants. I felt that they accepted each other's differences with respect rather than seeing them as flaws. Through classes with students from all over the world, I learned their languages and cultures, and how to respect each other's cultures. Moreover, in New Zealand, a country with more sheep than people, I learned how to respect a variety of animals and plants living in the world. New Zealanders, surrounded by landscapes changing with the seasons, taught me to see the world in diverse ways.

If you are considering the program in which I participated, apply right away. While in New Zealand, I learned how to cherish each day, and the world you will encounter will be much more moving than you imagine.

By Kim Ye-eun, Junior, Dept. of Biology Education