Robert Ennor

You did a study tour in Malaysia and an exchange in Chile. Why did you choose to participate in these international programmes?

There were different reasons for each, but in general, I’ve always loved going overseas and getting that global experience. I chose Chile for my exchange because my mum is Peruvian and I wanted to connect with my South American heritage, especially the language.

It also made me appreciate my studies a lot more; everything I learned at UC helped me during my time abroad.

How did you find your experiences?

I gained entirely new perspectives and learned a lot, both academically and on a general level. All of these new experiences really open your eyes, especially learning about new cultures and the way they do things. I had to challenge myself to figure things out on my own in a completely new country, and I value the experiences for how they helped me grow as a person.

What were some highlights of your exchange experiences?

In Malaysia, I got to talk to people that I would never have had the opportunity for elsewise, like Heads of Departments within the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, and members of the Malaysia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce. And the food was incredible.

In Chile, my two closest friends were from Uruguay and Finland. Meeting people from so many different countries and learning about their cultures was great.

What was your academic experience like? 

The Malaysia tour was very engaging, getting out into the city and talking to people, applying ideas and theories we’ve learned.

In Chile, I had the opportunity to take a diverse range of courses that I wouldn’t normally have taken with my degree, which was really interesting.

How did you find the courses and teaching styles?

I found the courses to be distinct and challenging, but absolutely worth it. University of Chile is very small compared to UC, with all my classes having about 20-30 people. Nothing is recorded so you have to turn up every day, which made it very interesting and super engaging. 

What were your accommodation arrangements?

UC organised our Malaysia accommodation in a building similar to UC’s Tupuānuku, but much taller – and it had a pool.

In Chile, most exchange students stay in homestays. Staying with a family was great because I got to practice my Spanish with them, eat traditional food, and go to local events. You get a lot more out of the experience if you do a homestay.

What was student life like at your host university?

University of Chile has a very close-knit student body, and there’s even a set lunchtime like in high school, so people hang out together. Making Chilean friends and putting in the effort to understand the language makes a huge difference to how you experience things.

How did you find life in Chile and Malaysia?

They were surprisingly similar to each other, but completely different to New Zealand. You can see that there is an economic divide, which opens your eyes to how people elsewhere live. But in both countries, everyone is super friendly!

Did you travel when you weren’t studying? 

The Malaysia tour was very structured, so we didn’t get much free time, but I went on some big trips while in Chile. The Atacama Desert in the north was amazing; you can’t believe you’re on the same planet. One day, I was walking through another national park down south, and I felt like I was back in New Zealand. The landscapes and flora were so similar, it was really beautiful.

I also travelled to Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina.

What insights did you gain and how do you think this will be useful for your future employment?

The biggest thing is new perspective. It helps you approach things in a different way and connect with people much easier, especially those from other cultures, which is essential in international business.

Did your overseas experiences help you on a personal level?

Yes – I developed my adaptability and perseverance, my ability to get through anything that comes my way, wherever I am. It’s super valuable because you learn to reframe problems and find solutions.

Would you recommend students take part in international programmes?

Absolutely. It’s worth the effort, and you’ll never forget it. It will be something you appreciate more and more as time goes on.

Any tips for future students?

It sounds obvious, but be prepared and organised. Things can go wrong when you’re on your own, so you have to be on your game.

And make the most of all the opportunities you get. It can be scary, but take chances, have fun, and just enjoy it.