By Page Olsen ’20, staff writer
While most LVC students started the semester on Jan. 13, 16 students studying abroad in New Zealand will begin classes on March 2.
Some programs allow for many study abroad options, while the nature of other programs make it difficult to travel and learn elsewhere. For physical therapy students, studying abroad in New Zealand is the best option.
“I chose New Zealand because of the ability to stay on track with the physical therapy program,” Jess Kroboth, a second year physical therapy student, said. “With the heavy workload and pre-planned scheduling of the PT department, there are not many opportunities to get up and leave for a semester. Since many credits will be able to transfer back to LVC, it seemed like the best option.”
Both Kroboth and Brian Sayre, also a second year physical therapy student, shared their reasonings for wanting to study abroad.
“When I think about my life after college and graduate school, I think about working and living a constant life,” Sayre said. “It is very unlikely that I will be able to break the norm of having a 9-to-5 job working five days a week and be able to put my life on hold for four months to travel the world. I did not choose to study abroad because I have a craving for travel, but because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Unlike Sayre, Kroboth has more of an itch to travel.
“When I first visited LVC, I heard about the chance to study abroad in NZ,” Kroboth said. “I was immediately interested in this and knew that if I didn’t go, I would feel like it was a missed opportunity. When else would I have the chance to go to a university in a different country?”
In the midst of the excitement, new experiences often present fears. Both students expressed natural concern for missing their family and friends.
“There will be a lot of new situations that I will have to get used to,” Kroboth said. “Adjusting to life on the other side of the world will be a challenge in itself. I know it will be hard not seeing my friends or family for four months.”
Despite missing home, the students can look forward to learning about a new culture.
“I am expecting to learn different customs that are unique to New Zealand,” Sayre said. “I want to find out more about the history of the country and how it is different from the United States. Also, it would not hurt to learn how to do a New Zealand accent while I’m there.”
Study abroad information sessions are regularly held on campus. Interested students can visit “Study Abroad” page under the academics tab on LVC’s website or contact Jill Russell at russell@lvc.edu.