I woke up with butterflies this morning because there is so much to do! I must admit, though I never have a shortage to say in person, I feel nervous about blogging. I am much more comfortable speaking than writing things down. I've never thought about it before, but there are actually a few contributing factors to this: I'm a poor speller, I hate how it takes me longer to express my ideas, and I find it difficult to accurately express my feelings through words. When speaking, I love going off on tangents, using my hands, and tone (as my parents continually remind me) is crucial to how I communicate. This trip is all about moving outside my comfort zone and slowing my life down. I guess this blog will be another way for me to accomplish that!
I have been getting a ton of questions about this trip so I've compiled an FAQ of sorts to appease the wondering minds out there.
Why are you moving abroad instead of looking for a job here?
I grew up listening to these amazing stories from my parents (and grandparents) about their experiences in different countries. I've always been awestruck by them and have wanted to the same since I started college. I wasn't able to incorporate study abroad programs into my time at NCSU, so post-grad was the next best option. Though the US is wildly diverse and Canada would be a different experience, I really wanted to go to the next level and have a complete immersion in a place that was geographically, socially, and culturally distinct from the US. I feel like this is a great way for me to learn about the world, become more independent, meet people, see some fantastic scenery, and have an amazing experience that is all my own!
Why New Zealand?
When I was looking for opportunities to work abroad, I was pointed in the direction of BUNAC, a nonprofit program that specializes in helping Americans get work visas in foreign countries. The choices were presented to me by BUNAC, however I already had a few standards of my own. First, English had to one of the main languages spoken, as I am definitely not fluent in anything but. Secondly, the societal view of women had to be comparable to the US, as I would be traveling alone. Thirdly, the place had to intrigue me! So, my options were Ireland, England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Of course, the economy crisis peaked right around this time, knocking England and Ireland from my list. I am a Canadian citizen with family all over the country, so I felt this was too "easy" of an option. I'm supposed to be striking out on my own remember? All that was left was Aus and NZ. I had barely heard of New Zealand before this trip, besides random sheep jokes, my dad's sailing buddies, and Flight of the Concords. When I did more research, I basically fell in love with the beauty and the overall Kiwi attitude towards life, so New Zealand it was!
What are you going to be doing in New Zealand?
Looking for a job and traveling. I know it's kinda crazy not to have a job lined up before I leave, however this is how most people do "Working Holidays." New Zealand has many backpackers (which is technically what I am, though I am not toting around a massive backpack) who fulfill seasonal jobs all year round. These include fruit picking, office jobs, vineyard work, and resort jobs in the summer. Snow sports are the main draw for tourism in the winter, opening many positions for instructors and resort staff in the colder months.
How long will you be there?
I'll be there until May 2010, so just over 7 months.
I grew up listening to these amazing stories from my parents (and grandparents) about their experiences in different countries. I've always been awestruck by them and have wanted to the same since I started college. I wasn't able to incorporate study abroad programs into my time at NCSU, so post-grad was the next best option. Though the US is wildly diverse and Canada would be a different experience, I really wanted to go to the next level and have a complete immersion in a place that was geographically, socially, and culturally distinct from the US. I feel like this is a great way for me to learn about the world, become more independent, meet people, see some fantastic scenery, and have an amazing experience that is all my own!
Why New Zealand?
When I was looking for opportunities to work abroad, I was pointed in the direction of BUNAC, a nonprofit program that specializes in helping Americans get work visas in foreign countries. The choices were presented to me by BUNAC, however I already had a few standards of my own. First, English had to one of the main languages spoken, as I am definitely not fluent in anything but. Secondly, the societal view of women had to be comparable to the US, as I would be traveling alone. Thirdly, the place had to intrigue me! So, my options were Ireland, England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Of course, the economy crisis peaked right around this time, knocking England and Ireland from my list. I am a Canadian citizen with family all over the country, so I felt this was too "easy" of an option. I'm supposed to be striking out on my own remember? All that was left was Aus and NZ. I had barely heard of New Zealand before this trip, besides random sheep jokes, my dad's sailing buddies, and Flight of the Concords. When I did more research, I basically fell in love with the beauty and the overall Kiwi attitude towards life, so New Zealand it was!
What are you going to be doing in New Zealand?
Looking for a job and traveling. I know it's kinda crazy not to have a job lined up before I leave, however this is how most people do "Working Holidays." New Zealand has many backpackers (which is technically what I am, though I am not toting around a massive backpack) who fulfill seasonal jobs all year round. These include fruit picking, office jobs, vineyard work, and resort jobs in the summer. Snow sports are the main draw for tourism in the winter, opening many positions for instructors and resort staff in the colder months.
How long will you be there?
I'll be there until May 2010, so just over 7 months.
If y'all have any more questions, post here! I'm sure I'll be posting alot this week so get excited!
AH! I am so excited you've made the blog official. I will be a diligent reader, for sure. Miss you tons and tons....
ReplyDeleteOlivia,
ReplyDeleteI am so excited that you have decided to join the wonderful world of blogging. Welcome!
I admire your enthusiasm and your independence. It takes alot of courage to do what you are doing. Can't wait to read more!
Amy :)
Good luck Olivia! :)
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you are having such a wonderful time moving around having fun.
ReplyDeleteSandrA