A Retrospect on Studying in Aberystwyth, Wales

Posted on August 22, 2026 by rubydavisbca4f3c542

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My name is Ruby Davis. In June, I returned from a semester-long study abroad in Aberystwyth, Wales, studying English Education at Aberystwyth University.

I chose Wales for my study abroad out of my curiosity in Wales’ campaign for bilingualism. The Welsh government aims towards having 1 million Welsh speakers by 2050. With a focus on Inequality and Human Rights, I wanted to learn more ways to incorporate the care and pride that Wales has. I believe that connecting with your native language increases a sense of belonging and pride and after 5 months in Wales, I met many individuals who genuinely care about addressing this issue. I met a number of people learning Welsh as a second, third or even fourth language.

The view from my dorm (spot the seagull who woke me every day).

Since I joined during a spring semester, I wasn’t able to join a beginner Welsh course. To learn more about Welsh culture and language education, I took a course on Twentieth-Century Welsh Poetry in English and a course on Assessing Materials for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Outside of my courses, I joined the Ornithological (birdwatching) Society and an international student organization. I had many opportunities to travel outside of Aberystwyth during my studies. I took weekly trips with the birding society to different nature reserves around Wales. I planned weekend trips with friends and on my own visiting some of my bucket list locations in Europe like Paris, Barcelona, and Bath. What I have learned, though, is the more you travel, the more the list grows.

Plotting these trips and observing the incredible leadership and organization of the birdwatching society taught me a lot about leadership. Despite having no knowledge on how to identify birds (let alone the birds of Wales), the bird watchers were happy to point out and describe the many species time and time again as I slowly got the hang of a borrowed pair of binoculars. In teaching, I must be prepared to explain subject material again and again, rephrasing and considering the perspectives of students who don’t have the same learning style as myself.

The road sign pictured here is a “give way” sign on the road outside my flat with a sticker slapped over top reading: “Ble Mae’r Cymraeg?” which translates to: “Where’s the Welsh?”. In 2016, the Welsh Parliament enacted legislation requiring all road signs from that point onward to be bilingual.* However, less than 50% percent of the Welsh population speaks Welsh.* Legislation like this is just one example I found of efforts to upend language inequality as so many people work to see the Welsh language thrive.

During my time in Aberystwyth, Wales, my romanticized view of the United Kingdom was disproved and broken down, but I gained a romanticized view of Montana. It was a prideful thing to tell people I live near Glacier National Park, to see the curiosity when I told them that yes, I did carry bear spray with me when walking in the woods, to share pictures of Flathead and Missoula Valley and say “this is where I’m from!” I found that travel increased my love for my hometown, and I am incredibly grateful for that.

I like to say that my study abroad was full of serendipity, but that word entails pure chance and I made an effort to escape my comfort zone in little ways, attend events I was interested in, and reach out to people I wanted to befriend. Having returned to Montana, I am more appreciative of the work that goes into language revitalization, and more confident in my ability to teach and learn.

From Aberystwyth to the World – What I learned About Life in a Small Welsh Town

Posted on August 21, 2026 by camilleschultz1c635991b4

This past semester, spring of 2026, I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad at Aberystwyth University in Aberystwyth, Wales.

The blue bells are in bloom! This forest is right next to the University.

I had visited the UK and Wales once before embarking on my Beyond the Classroom Experience, so I thought I knew what I was getting into. I expected to not encounter much of a language barrier, I knew the food would be similar to home, and I thought I would feel little difference in going to school there as opposed to here. I knew the scenery would be different, but that’s about it. I ended up learning so much about Welsh language and culture, and I underestimated the impact a different education structure would have on my personal growth. At first, I thought the courses were a lot easier, as there was significantly less in-class time scheduled than here at UM. However, I soon realized this time is replaced with the expectation of independent work and study time. This initially worried me, as I have never been the best at time management, but it came easier to me than expected. The whole system is built to support individual study to an extent I had never before experienced, so I was able to learn the skills I need to further my education here in Montana. Overall, I feel very prepared heading into my final year of my undergraduate studies here at UM!

The historic “sky scrapers” of Edinburgh.

My Global Theme is Inequality and Human Rights, with a focus on wealth inequality. Before I went to study at Aberystwyth, my view of this issue was under the assumption that I have a life that others should want to live. I thought that it was my purpose in life to simply use what I have to help others who are less fortunate than I. In one course I took titled ‘Women and Global Development,’ I learned that my idea of justice and equality, much like many others in the US and UK, was very “Western.” I learned that, although perhaps done with good intentions, it is not our place to dictate what is “developed” and what someone’s life should or shouldn’t look like. I have learned that my role in helping others will be determined by their voices, not my own.

Further, I used to think being a leader meant taking the reins and leading with ideas, but I have come back from Wales really understanding that my leadership style will only be successful if I truly work to listen to those around me. This is not a new idea to me, as the GLI so far has done a good job of prepping me for this, but I never fully understood the concept until my Beyond the Classroom Experience.

Living in the UK, I had the opportunity to travel more than I ever have in my life. Highlights include Paris, Barcelona, Valencia, the Canary Islands, Ireland, and Scotland. Throughout my travels and my studies, I got to meet and interact with so many amazing people who had a lot to offer me. For example, I got to learn a new dialect of Spanish from my great grandmother’s home town on the island of Tenerife. While the island has a reputation for being filled with tourists, the locals were some of the nicest people I have ever met. One man, Miguel, was unhoused and sitting outside of a grocery store while I was walking home from a park. He was so friendly and respectful, as well as patient with my notably foreign Spanish, and I made sure he left the grocery store with some decent food for a few days. He even told me about his sister who is studying in England! It was experiences like these, with normal people in normal places, that really shaped my experience and allowed me to fully realize just how incredible humanity can be.

Overall, I came back home from my Beyond the Classroom Experience with the knowledge that I do not know as much as I thought about the world, and that my life will be about continuing to learn and connect with people, helping where I can without trying to form others into a version of myself that they do not want to be.

Myself and my friends in Bath, England, standing next to the historic Roman Baths.

Fly-Fishing and Habitat Restoration in Iceland

Posted on August 17, 2026 by wyattbodenheimer

Hey y’all, my name is Wyatt Bodenheimer, and my global theme is resources and sustainability. Two years ago, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do for my internship because there were just so many options in sustainability. However, I knew I wanted to be outside the whole time. I let some more time go by and attended plenty of events without ever coming to a final decision on an internship. That is, until I met Matti.

Matti is an Icelandic man with a sense of humour that rivals a stand-up comedian’s. He was sitting behind a booth at a fly fishing convention in Seattle, WA, when I walked up and asked if he offered internships for foreigners. He immediately stated that he didn’t, but I managed to convince him that I had the skills for the job. The next day, he offered me an internship where I would be restoring habitat for native fish in Icelandic rivers as well as working as a full-time fly-fishing guide.

I spent most of my summer learning about the different ways that stream restoration affects the economy and fish survival rates in Iceland. I also learned that in order to keep fishing pressure low, the prices have to be sky-high. If that’s not a prime example of resources and sustainability, I don’t know what is. Fly-fishing is actually a very hot topic in Iceland right now because most locals can’t afford to fish every weekend as we do in the United States. They argue that it is their right to fish the land they were born on and that they shouldn’t have to pay an outfitter to fish for a day. On the flip side, most clients I had were from other countries and spent absurd amounts of money to fish in Iceland, from one day to a week at a time. Truth be told, they brought a lot of money into the Icelandic economy.

I’ll leave it up to you to decide what the right way to go about that problem is. I just know that I learned a ton about sustainable practices in Iceland, regardless of restrictions on access. I also participated in the release of forty thousand Atlantic salmon smolts into the Mýrarkvísl River in addition to other stream restoration efforts. All of this experience allowed me to gain a diverse perspective on resources and sustainability practices in other countries.

While guiding, I led groups of people from over 15 different countries to catch the biggest trout of their lives. I have never had a leadership experience like the one I had in Iceland. It provided me with actual global leadership experience in high-stress situations. I had to put people on big fish, and we had to land them after doing everything else right. It was extremely rewarding but extremely nerve-wracking at first. I also engaged in Icelandic culture by hanging out with native Icelanders while taking wildlife photos that would end up in a worldwide magazine (like the puffin photo above).

I can truly say that I have gained so much experience from the trip that I will be able to use every single day of my life. I was offered a paid position for the 2027 season and am now amongst a select few people who will ever get to guide in Iceland. The only question is, will Icelandic fly-fishing stay as lucrative as it is, or will the outfitters allow residents to fish at a lower price?

From the mountains of Nepal to the Flathead Valley: a summer of environmental journalism

Posted on August 15, 2026 by vivianneostheimer

“How can I effectively tell environmental stories across different cultural and geopolitical contexts while reporting and inspiring local solutions to the global challenge of climate change?”

I aimed to answer that (in hindsight, overly-wordy and complex) question this summer as I explored environmental journalism across boundaries: from the mountains of Nepal to the Flathead Valley.

My Beyond the Classroom Experience began with a faculty-led study abroad trip to Nepal with the UM School of Journalism. I traveled to Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara, reporting on local climate solutions like bicycle libraries at schools and plastic roads — one potential solution to the country’s overwhelming plastic pollution issue. The International Reporting class I took in the spring helped prepare me to report cross-culturally and with a language barrier, but I still found myself (with my reporting partner, Noah Epps) in many a Nepali ‘Uber’ with no idea where I was going. I tried new foods – my favorite being momo, Nepal’s version of a dumpling — made new friends, and had a memorable (and, frankly, scarring) encounter with land leeches.

When I returned to Montana in June, I moved into the Flathead Lake Biological Station — a research and education center on the East shore of the lake. There, I interned as the station’s environmental journalist… and it was the best job I’ve ever had! Its self-driven nature allowed me to be ambitious and creative, deciding what I wanted to work on and often tagging along on exciting trips to do my reporting. I experienced both the joys and hardships of freelance journalism as I marketed my work and collaborated with editors of news media outlets around the state. I worked on eight different journalistic projects, learning about and then communicating a wide variety of science and research topics to the general public. I got to travel with classes and researchers to Glacier, the Nyack Floodplain, and British Columbia to electrofish, explore new glacial lakes, catch amphibians, sample water, and much more. I worked with the Lake County Leader, the Bigfork Eagle, and the Missoulian to publish articles in-print and online and am currently working with Montana Public Radio on a radio story. I improved my photo-taking, audio-editing, and writing skills as I practiced translating complicated scientific issues and jargon into understandable stories that resonate and connect people to the people, places, issues about which they read. I hope that my work has benefitted the bio station — through increased awareness, involvement, care, and maybe even stewardship — as much as it has benefitted me.

I came out of my Beyond the Classroom Experience with a multimedia portfolio, Nepal checked off my bucket list, and (what I hope will be) lifelong friends. Although my internship is technically done, I’m continuing to work with MTPR and the bio station — as well as the Kathmandu Post in Nepal — to finish up stories and get the most out of my experience.

I feel so grateful for the GLI, UM Journalism Abroad, and the Flathead Lake Bio Station for the best summer ever!

My Study Abroad in Florence Italy

Posted on January 31, 2026 by kylelincoln83c6e83a1d

Before embarking on my Beyond the Classroom experience in Florence, Italy, I expected an enriching academic opportunity paired with cultural immersion. I imagined learning primarily through lectures, readings, and guided excursions valuable, but structured. What I did not fully anticipate was how profoundly day today interactions, moments of discomfort, and real world observations would shape my learning. This experience not only met my expectations but expanded them, transforming how I understand global issues, leadership, and my role as a globally engaged student at the University of Montana. Before arriving in Florence, I believed I had a solid foundational understanding of Italy’s culture, economy, and history from coursework and prior research and past trips. I expected to observe global concepts from a distance. Instead, the experience demanded active participation navigating a new city, communicating across language barriers, and adapting to different academic and social norms. These challenges quickly shifted me from observer to participant. By the end of the experience, I realized how limited my preconceptions were. Classroom discussions became more meaningful when paired with lived experiences, such as understanding how local businesses operate within Italy’s economic framework or witnessing how historical preservation intersects with modern urban life. The experience exceeded my expectations by pushing me to think critically in real time and reflect more deeply on global interconnectedness. My Beyond the Classroom experience was centered on the Global Theme of Culture and Politics and the Global Challenge of balancing cultural preservation with political and economic decision making in an increasingly globalized world. Being immersed in Florence allowed me to see how these global challenges manifest locally. For example, observing tourism’s impact on local economies highlighted the tension between economic growth and cultural preservation. As a result of this experience, my perspective on my global theme evolved from abstract theory to tangible reality. I gained a stronger appreciation for the diverse viewpoints involved from local residents and business owners to international students and policymakers. Moving forward, I plan to leverage these insights by applying a more globally informed and culturally sensitive approach to my academic work and future career, particularly in finance and international business. Understanding the human impact behind economic decisions is essential to creating lasting, responsible change. One of the most significant outcomes of my experience was the growth of my cross-cultural understanding. Daily interactions whether ordering food, collaborating with peers, or navigating public transportation taught me the importance of patience, humility, and active listening. I became more aware of cultural norms around communication, time, and community, which often differed from my own assumptions. Over time, these interactions helped me move beyond stereotypes and develop a more nuanced understanding of Italian culture. I learned that cultural competence is not about mastering facts, but about remaining open, adaptable, and respectful. This shift will continue to influence how I engage with people from different backgrounds long after this experience. This Beyond the Classroom experience significantly shaped my leadership skills by pushing me outside my comfort zone. Navigating unfamiliar situations required initiative, problem-solving, and self-confidence. For example, coordinating group projects or managing travel logistics demanded clear communication and adaptability skills essential for effective leadership. A particularly memorable moment occurred when struggling to speak the language to the locals. This moment reinforced the importance of empathy and collaboration, reminding me that leadership is not about authority, but about understanding and supporting others. As a result, I will approach future interpersonal interactions with greater intentionality, emphasizing inclusivity, cultural awareness, and mutual respect. Overall, my Beyond the Classroom experience in Florence was transformative. It strengthened my academic interests, clarified my professional goals, and deepened my sense of global responsibility. I return with a renewed commitment to applying what I learned both in and beyond the classroom and to representing the GLI and the University of Montana as a thoughtful, engaged global citizen.

My Time Abroad In South Korea!

Posted on January 28, 2026 by eddygallegosde443417b9

Hello, my name is Eddy Gallegos. This past semester I studied in Seoul, South Korea at the University of Seoul. I am currently a junior majoring in Cybersecurity with a global theme focused on technology and society. Prior to my study abroad trip, I had never traveled far from home, especially not to a city of millions of people who have a different culture and language from my own. I originally came to Korea to observe how a society with such high technological standards interacts with its population, but I left with a better understanding of technology and my own personal growth.

Before starting my journey, I really didn’t know much about South Korea at all. Most of what I associated with it came from popular music and shows. Two days before my departure I started to overthink, I started questioning if I should really go. I worried about going through my daily life without being able to read,write, or speak Korean. I was nervous about being alone in an unfamiliar place. These worries were simply just worries. Once I arrived I met people from a wide range of backgrounds, many of whom I still text to this day. With these connections I found myself stepping away from my introverted nature and by the time the program came to an end. I was reluctant to return home.

My challenge was to see how a society with high technological standards operates. I personally have experienced the opposite during my time in Mexico where the same infrastructure is not present. One of these technologies was the subway system. This technology was completely new to me as I have never experienced it before. The Trains arrived exactly on time, the stations were well maintained and clean. It was easy to go from one place to another without any worry about how to get there. There were many other technical systems that took some time getting used to, but the overall benefits far outweighed any inconvenience. I’d go as far as to say that transportation was my least worry.

As the program went on, I found myself trying new things and becoming more social. It felt like I was living a different life, one that I find myself missing in a meaningful way. I spent a lot of my time going out with friends, exploring different parts of the city, walking through nearby districts, or riding the train or bus for hours just to see where I would end up. I also traveled outside of South Korea and visited Jeju Island, where I hiked the Hallasan mountain, the tallest mountain in Korea. I never realized I could be so outgoing and I discovered what I liked through my experiences with my friends. I always thought of myself as being very introverted and in my own lane so to speak. However in Korea that was just not the case, I would even go out alone at times just to explore new places and monuments.

My time spent in Korea also educated me on dealing with South Korean culture. Many Korean people were very nice and they mostly kept to themselves. Sometimes during my commute on a train some elderly people, Ahjussi or Ajumma would talk to me as best they could in English and I was more than happy to start a conversation with them. I never felt like I was alienated nor felt out of place while I was on the study abroad program. I also met a few Koreans who I became friends with and there I learned more about the culture and why they act how they act.

Looking back on my time in South Korea was an amazing experience, I never expected to do any of the things I did there and I would gladly do something similar like this again. This entire experience changed how I view myself inter-personally as well as how society operates over in the Asia region, something I was unfamiliar with before.

Semester Abroad in Edinburgh Scotland!

Posted on January 24, 2026 by paulinagrigsby

Hi! My name is Paulina Grigsby, and this past semester I studied abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland. I am currently a sophomore studying Integrative Physiology with a minor in Sports Psychology. My Global Theme is Public and Global Health, and my challenge is stopping the spread of infectious diseases and using technology to ensure that all people can access tools and knowledge to prevent disease. This experience has not only exposed me to different healthcare systems but has also deepened my understanding of how culture, accessibility, and policy shape public health outcomes.

Before my Beyond the Classroom Experience, I did not have very specific expectations, but I hoped to meet people from the United Kingdom and other countries, learn about their daily lives, and gain insight into healthcare and education outside the U.S. Overall, this experience met and, in many ways, exceeded my expectations. Through school, I was able to connect with Scottish and international students to learn firsthand how their healthcare system works and how citizens view it. I was struck by how healthcare is often taken for granted in countries around the UK and Europe because it is free. I also noticed the difference in education because classes were less frequent, but encouraged independence and personal time, which allowed for a balance between academics and personal time.

As I previously mentioned, my Global Theme is Public and Global Health. Since studying abroad, my perspective on healthcare accessibility has shifted significantly. Seeing firsthand how healthcare is provided to all citizens in the U.K. reinforced the importance of making medicine and preventive care available to everyone, regardless of financial status. Comparing U.S. healthcare with alternative systems has inspired me to think about how lessons from other countries could be used to improve systems at home. This experience has also allowed me to think about ways to make technology and policy more accesible which aligns with my global challenge.

View of the Scott Monument in Old Town Edinburgh

Throughout my Beyond the Classroom Experience, my understanding of cultures and people has grown immensely. One of the most significant lessons was recognizing how culture shapes education, priorities, and daily life. The independence given to students abroad, along with the emphasis on balancing personal and academic life, offered a perspective that differed from what I was used to in the U.S. I also learned that people’s perceptions of the U.S. are often shaped by curiosity rather than judgment, which helped me reflect on my own culture and how it is viewed from the outside. Interaction with students around the world challenged my assumptions and reminded me that we all face similar challenges and that small gestures can go a long way for all people.

This experience also shaped my leadership skills by fostering independence, resilience, and creative problem-solving. Navigating public transportation, managing daily tasks in a new environment, and quickly adapting to mistakes forced me to think on my feet and trust my own judgment. These experiences strengthened my ability to handle unexpected challenges—an essential skill for leadership. This allowed me to feel more confident in my ability to lead, make decisions under pressure, and quickly problem-solve when necessary

The experience of studying abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland, was impactful on many levels. One of my favorite memories was visiting the Highland cows just outside of Edinburgh. Walking up to the cows with friends I had made during the semester was not only fun but also a reminder of the joy of shared experiences and cultural exploration. Moments like this helped me build lasting friendships, connect with the local environment, and reflect on the importance of community in personal and professional growth.

Overall, my experience studying abroad has given me many new perspectives and allowed me to think of ways I can inspire change within my community. I am grateful to the connections I made, the lessons I have learned and the opportunities I had.

My Semester in Aberystwyth, Wales!

Posted on September 4, 2025 by morgansandau

Helo! Sut wyt ti? My name is Morgan Sandau, and this past Spring I studied at Aberystwyth University in Aberystwyth, Wales! I loved my time in Wales so much. I haven’t heard much about it in my life, which is what made me so excited to visit. Aberystwyth is an adorable coastal town in Mid Wales. The Welsh who live there are very proud, and I was always so excited to read and hear about the history. Aberystwyth has beautiful sights and buildings, and is full of so much personality. I met so many kind people who were excited to ask me about the US. It was funny to me and my fellow American roommates how fascinated people were with us being American. “Why would you come all the way to Wales?” was a question I received very frequently.

My GLI theme is Resources and Sustainability, and for the semester, I chose to challenge myself to understand Welsh climate change communication and perception. To ensure I could meet this goal, I took one course called Climate Change: Plants, Animals, and Ecoysystems and another called Environmental Regulation and Consultancy. Inside and out of class, I learned that people and governments in the UK are extremely aware of and invested in addressing climate change. I cannot express how happy it made me to see so many groups of people motivated to make real change. It was also cool to meet people with completely different upbringings from mine who ended up being as passionate about climate change as I am. In Environmental Regulation and Consultancy, I learned that all construction projects in the UK have to undergo an Environmental Impact Assessment. What’s more, I learned how to complete one. Having never lived outside Missoula, this experience was very important for my personal and professional growth. I have more hope for climate resilience, and I have more knowledge of what other places are doing to achieve this goal. I hope I can bring this knowledge into the climate sector in the US.

The view from the walking bridge at Aberystwyth University.

Volunteering to clean up the beach in Aber.

At AU, I lived in campus housing with two other Montanans (who also go to UM!), a Coloradan, and a Brit. We had a lot of fun together. Aberystwyth is a long way from other cities, but I left town a couple of times. One of my favorite adventures was when I went to Scotland on a whim with two of my flatmates. It was so cool to have no plan and just spend several days in Edinburgh and Dundee. On a separate occasion, we went to Cardiff, the capital of Wales, and saw Caerphilly Castle and went minigolfing at this really cool little place.

I am so glad I got to have this opportunity. I will remember it forever. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I hope I can get back to Aberystwyth at some point, but even if I don’t, I’m incredibly grateful for my time there. Thank you to the GLI for helping me work this process into my degree. It was so worth it!

Wyatt and I at a football match in Luton, England.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly of a Semester in West Africa’s Highest Ranked University

Posted on September 2, 2025 by noahwaltzcf6a7a7672

“If nothing else, you will learn Patience while being here” – University of Ghana’s Study Abroad Leader

Hello! Noah Waltz here. I am a fourth year student in the GLI who has chosen a public and global health theme. Recently, I’ve returned from a Semester Abroad at the University of Ghana in Accra, Ghana where I had the goal of getting to know the emergency response system, the school and university system, as well as the overall culture. Through the volunteering at the local fire station and the ambulance service, enrolling in 15 credits, and engulfing myself in the culture for three and a half months, I achieved these goals! I got sick with Typhoid, got baptized, made great friends, grew in understanding how much of the world lives (as in less developed to America), and grew a whole lot in gratefulness. I’m sure glad I went!

In achieving these goals, I went through trials of various kinds, which I’ve come to understand is how one learns. The University system was less organized, less professional, and often chaotic. Eventually, I saw some good in them, which was that classes were more lively than I am used to, as well as that in West Africa’s history, the university system has come a long way. My health struggled at times due to Typhoid, although this is was simply cured when treated early with antibiotics. Eventually I learned which foods to eat, and I thoroughly enjoyed the foods they have to offer. My time with the fire and ambulance services were often difficult due to the lack of quality care comparatively to what I have seen in America. The key word in this is comparatively…

My heart grew while I was here, as a result of my relationship with God growing. Ghana can not be mentioned without it’s large religious presence. Even the stores have a religious influence to them as shown in the picture below of the beans seller titling her business “FEAR THOU NOT BEANS”. It was a great opportunity to grow in my religious convictions, and one that I am incredibly grateful for. The picture after my baptism is the first picture.

In conclusion, my experience in Ghana was worth it. Among the roller coaster ride of emotions that come from going from 1st to 2nd world (3rd world depending on what part of Ghana you go to), I am so grateful I went. I would likely not have done it if it wasn’t for the GLI scholarship that comes in year three of the program. Below is a picture right before I went to the airport with an amazing family I got to know well.We had just finished crying so forgive the picture.

New Indigenous and Environmental Perspectives Learned in Aotearoa, New Zealand

Posted on September 2, 2025 by Franke GLI

Kia Ora! My name is Chris Holstine, and for my Beyond the Classroom Experience I studied for a semester at Victoria University of Wellington in Wellington, Aotearoa (New Zealand). My GLI Global Theme is Resources and Sustainability. I took multiple classes related to Resources and Sustainability, but the one that I found most interesting was called Sustainable Destination Management. In this class, I learned about sustainable tourism development and how New Zealand is attempting to make tourism the most profitable industry in the country (previously dairy production). I was able to draw connections between New Zealand and Montana during class discussions about tourism development, as Montana faces similar environmental challenges to New Zealand. There are seldom wildfires in New Zealand, but the Eastern Canterbury Plains struggle through long drought seasons which makes farming difficult. Canterbury is also having to manage agricultural runoff into rivers as the drinking water of many rural communities is contaminated. I am grateful for the classes that I took at Victoria University of Wellington, because they all involved thoughtful discussions that helped me develop a global perspective on environmental management.

One of my favorite parts about New Zealand is their effort to include Māori culture and language in everyday life. Māori are the people who are indigenous to New Zealand, and they make up 17% of the country’s population. Nearly every place name, plant and animal species, and community event in New Zealand is named in both English and Māori. By living in New Zealand, I learned a lot about Māori culture and modern indigenous settler relationships. I appreciated Victoria University of Wellington’s emphasis on teaching indigenous knowledge as an institution that was started by white settlers. By living in New Zealand, I feel more prepared to be a leader in Montana with American indigenous perspectives in mind. I believe there are many administrative practices that American universities could be installing to promote indigenous knowledge and culture. As a leader, I want to direct change that emphasizes equity and unity between global perspectives. My Beyond the Classroom Experience has inspired me to further incorporate values of unity in my leadership.

One of the most fulfilling parts of my Beyond the Classroom experience was travelling the North and South Islands of New Zealand. I took many road trips with new friends and spent a lot of time hiking, camping, and swimming in the ocean. I am so grateful for all the people I met and places I was able to see during my time in New Zealand. A memorable moment during my semester was taking a two-week road trip around the South Island with my parents and meeting up with two friends at Fiordland National Park to drive back to Wellington. I feel so lucky and grateful for my Beyond the Classroom Experience!