Study Abroad student
Certificate of Proficiency Commerce
With a great passion for adventure, Ellorine knew that UC would be the perfect way to find a balance between her studies and the chance to experience all the New Zealand outdoors has to offer.
“Here in New Zealand, there are pretty epic mountains, rivers, and beaches right on our doorstep and UC for me had the benefit of its central location to most things in the South Island. I attend Barnard College in New York City back home, so it’s often a few hours’ drive to get out of the city into nature. I chose to study in New Zealand primarily for the outdoor opportunities, specifically whitewater kayaking, tramping, and skiing.”
Ellorine has enjoyed the opportunity she has had to take a range of different courses that she feels will be beneficial to her in the future, along with some interest papers that are not normally on offer to her.
“My experience at UC has exposed me to new subjects. I like the integration of computer programming and applied examples into the courses, it feels like I will actually be able to use what I’ve learned in the real world. I plan to pursue a master’s or PhD in Economics with a focus on Agriculture and Natural Resources, so the Maths and Statistics classes I’m taking at UC will give me a solid foundation for higher level economics.
“It’s also been fun to take an introduction class in Antarctic Studies, especially with New Zealand’s proximity and involvement in Antarctica.”
A significant part of Ellorine’s UC experience was based around her love of the outdoors, which included joining the UC Canoe Club (UCCC), the Climbing Club, and the Snow Sports Club (CUSSC).
“I came to UC knowing that I wanted to spend a good deal of time white water kayaking, and the UCCC completely exceeded my expectations. Some of the happiest moments from the semester have been paddling down these remote gorges with a bunch of awesome Kiwi paddlers in beautiful areas that I would have never seen had I not been in a kayak.
“It’s also been cool to get involved in helping leading trips and teaching beginners. I have made friends with a lot of Kiwis and I completely attribute that to joining the UCCC.”
The Climbing Club at UC has also helped Ellorine develop a newfound interest in the sport, while she also looks forward to the upcoming ski season with the CUSSC.
“I was able to climb outside a few times with the club and have taken full advantage of the free bouldering wall at the gym, I’m pretty hooked on it. As ski season fast approaches, I’m planning to spend most weekends up at Temple Basin with CUSSC and hopefully shred at a few other ski fields as well.”
One of Ellorine’s favourite memories of her time in New Zealand was a spontaneous overnight stay at the top of a ridge by Franz Josef Glacier.
“After a few hours of night hiking up a steep trail, we reached the top and were greeted with perfectly clear views and an epic night sky. We pitched the tent and woke up to a sunrise and an absolutely stunning panorama of the glacier, the mountains, valleys, and coastline of the West Coast. It was definitely the most beautiful scene I’ve taken in in New Zealand.”
Despite all her incredible adventures while at UC, Ellorine admits it is the people that have made her experience abroad unforgettable.
“I’ve been on some epic adventures and seen beautiful places, but I think it’s the friendships I’ve built that I’ll remember and cherish the longest.”
Ellorine’s advice for students who are considering study abroad at UC is simple: step out of your comfort zone.
“Try something new! UC has some great clubs with access to resources you’re not likely to have everywhere. Joining clubs is also the best way to meet Kiwis who will take you to cool places no one talks about.”
