Student Perspective: Ways to exercise regularly while overseas

Tiffany Kascak, the Lions Abroad marketing intern, writes:

While being abroad, your schedule might be more hectic than usual. Throughout your travels, you’ll encounter new, interesting things to do and people to get to know. Thus, incorporating exercise into your time overseas sometimes can be a challenge.

Most likely you will not be going to the nearest gym to work out or packing your dumbbells in your suitcase, so creativity is key in staying fit. These are some ideas for exercise when you’re constantly traveling:

Run, run, run: Some of my roommates would go for a jog around the local neighborhood. They enjoyed this activity because they were able to familiarize themselves with the surrounding area along with getting exercise. Just don’t run so far that you could get lost!

PSU students hiking on Magnetic Island

Hit the trail: Another way to accomplish exercise is to go for a high-paced hike. One day, some classmates and I went on an extremely invigorating one that was pretty much all uphill. The hike proved strenuous, yet rewarding because when we reached the top we had a beautiful view. It was a fun activity for all of us because we got to talk and know each other better during the hike. Plus, when you’re chatting away, you’re distracted from the intensity of the hike.

Let’s play ball: Playing group sports is another method of staying fit. By group sports, I don’t mean a football game or ice hockey tournament, but rather more realistic ones like ultimate Frisbee (Frisbees pack easily in a suitcase!) or soccer (local parks often have fields you can use). Or, you can always pack a ball of some sort to throw around on the beach or outside your accommodation.

Water, water everywhere: Many of the AUIP programs are located near oceans, rivers or lakes. If you’re a water person, then check into options for kayaking, swimming and snorkeling. Australia students can certainly take advantage of the nearby Pacific Ocean. Meanwhile, Fiji students can just step out of their accommodation in many places for a quick swim or snorkel. Do remember to have a buddy when doing any water activity, so someone is there in case of an emergency.

Exercising while overseas often takes place outside, so the opportunities will heavily depend on your surroundings and the recent weather. Regardless of these factors, you’ll surely we be able to find something to suit your workout style.

News Brief: Jean Vergara joins AUIP Fiji program assistance

A new face will be greeting our Fiji groups at the Nadi airport this summer. Jean Vergara, a cheery and comical individual, joined the AUIP Fiji team to accompany our groups.

Jean earned her M.S. degree in Education, specializing in Counseling and Guidance, from California Lutheran University. She attended Stanford University and California State University, Fullerton during her undergraduate studies and obtained a B.A. degree in Communications-Advertising and Radio-TV-Film.

Jean feeding a kangaroo in Australia

Jean has worked within the many levels of education in both private and public school districts. Jean’s passion to travel and mentor led her to England where she worked as a counselor/teacher’s assistant at TASIS, The American School in England. In addition, she has spent past summers working for an international language immersion school at Pepperdine University as both a summer counselor and later as the Academic Director. Previously, Jean has served as a faculty advisor for the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine in Los Angeles as well as the National Young Leaders State Conference and National Youth Leadership Forum on Collegiate Success.

So you can get to know her a bit, Jean provided us with these 10 fun facts about herself:

1. Avid traveler (5 continents and 41 U.S. States so far!)
2. Certified Scuba Diver
3. Loves…loves…loves karaoke
4. Grew up on the island of Guam
5. Was in a national commercial about free credit reports online
6. Plays the harmonica
7. Has worked in education for eight years- both Stateside and overseas
8. Loves to dance
9. Does not like okra
10. Is always smiling

We know Jean will be a strong asset to our Fiji programs this summer, and we look forward to all of our faculty and students meeting her in the coming weeks.

Field Notes: Practice snorkeling before heading out to the Great Barrier Reef

Tessa Arnold, the Hokies Abroad marketing intern, writes:

Before going to Australia in summer 2011, I had never gone snorkeling. Although I had no experience, I thought, “Snorkeling can’t be that hard, right?”

So, our first free day on Magnetic Island, I chose to go on a boat ride with fellow classmates and snorkel to see local fish. I eagerly grabbed the provided mask, flippers, life vest and snorkel when we had the chance. I jumped into the bay close to the island and immediately panicked.

It turns out that without previous experience of snorkeling, I had no idea how to breathe properly through my snorkel. I rapidly swam back to the boat and only one thought came to my mind, “How am I supposed to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef if I can’t in this small bay?!”

Tessa snorkeling the GBR

Later on the program, we traveled to the town of Port Douglas from where we would travel to the Great Barrier Reef. Luckily for me, after some introductory lectures from our expert field guide Jimmy White, snorkeling lessons were offered in the swimming pool at our lodging! The instructor taught me how to control my breathing and calm myself so that I could fully enjoy my snorkeling experience on the Great Barrier Reef. He also provided tips on what to do if water enters your snorkel or if your mask fogs up. Needless to say, one of my smartest decisions in life was to attend that helpful snorkeling lesson.

Finally, the time arrived to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef. I could already tell how much more relaxed I was thanks to the snorkeling lessons offered in Port Douglas. I snorkeled with ease for several hours and soaked up the breathtaking views of an underwater heaven.

Since I went on the Hokies Abroad Australia program, I have snorkeled every chance I have! It has truly become one of my favorite hobbies.

For those of you heading Down Under soon, be sure to take advantage of the snorkeling lessons and opportunities for practice to ensure you enjoy your adventures on the Great Barrier Reef as much as I did!

Suitcase: Program alumni recommend the most useful items to pack for study abroad

Does your study abroad program begin next week in Australia or Fiji or soon in New Zealand? If so, we expect you’re making some last-minute trips to Target or REI for gear listed on your packing list.

While your student handbook provides a thorough packing list, we enlisted some program alumni to provide their insights on packing. We asked our marketing interns a very important question and compiled their responses for your perusal.

What was one of the most useful items you packed (or wish you’d packed!) in your suitcase and why?

Black Diamond headlamp

Ali Johnson from Tigers Abroad: Bug spray

“I put it on every day because I always get eaten alive at home and the bugs were worse in the rainforest. Your packing list will tell you to bring buy spray and make sure you do!”

Annalise Kelleher from Buckeyes Abroad: An old pair of tennis shoes

“I wore my tennis shoes tons on the program and they were really dirty by the end. Since they were an old pair, I just threw them away and thus created extra space for souvenirs in my suitcase. Some classmates put their shoes in donation bins at the hostel, so that’s an option if yours aren’t too ruined.”

Brett Davis from Eagles Abroad: Waterproof zip off cargo pants

“I brought a pair of waterproof pants that zipped off into shorts. On my New Zealand program, the mornings were bit chilly and sometimes rainy. When it was raining I used them as pants so I stayed dry. Then, during the warmer times, I could easily zip them off into shorts. These worked great for all situations and lighten the load in my backpack. I also didn’t have to worry about finding a place to change in the middle of the day.” 

Hannah Strange from Florida Down Under: Headlamp

“You never have enough hands, so a headlamp, which fits comfortably around your forehead, allows you to hold items in both hands while still being able to see. For a hands-free lighting convenience, a headlamp is the only way to go.”

Krysta Frye from Deacons Abroad: Two pairs of hiking shoes

“I wish I had brought two pairs of tennis shoes or one pair of tennis shoes and a pair of hiking sandals, like Tevas or Chacos, because many days we had to rewear the same shoes that had yet to dry from the night before, which was pretty uncomfortable.”

Space Bag

Robert Smith from Wolfpack Abroad: Space Bag

“All I had to do was pack my clothes in a Space Bag and roll out the air. It was something I was glad I had with me because it allowed more room for other items.”

Tessa Arnold from Hokies Abroad: Microfiber towel

“Instead of packing a microfiber towel, I packed both a beach towel and a bath towel. They took up too much suitcase space! Microfiber towels are great because they are so much thinner, and absorb water three times faster than a regular towel. Packing one single microfiber towel would have taken up considerably less space than my two huge, thick regular towels. Not only would it have saved space, it would have dried faster!”

Aquis microfiber towel

Tiffany Kascak from Lions Abroad: Wristwatch

“Your schedule will be packed on your program, so you’ll want to be on time to everything. Plus, I used my watch as an alarm clock to get me going in the mornings.”

 

Library: New Zealand-bound travelers should watch “Whale Rider” before departing

Robert Smith, the Wolfpack Abroad marketing intern, writes:

Anyone traveling to New Zealand on an AUIP program or interested in the native people known as the Maori should take the time to watch the film “Whale Rider.” Set in modern day New Zealand, the film displays some of the beautiful scenery and locations of New Zealand’s North Island, and it has a very interesting and inspiring story that most viewers may enjoy.    

“Whale Rider” is a story of a young girl who dreams of one day becoming the leader of her people. The main character is a little girl named Pai, who lives with and is being raised by her loving grandparents.

Pai’s grandfather Koro, the current chief, feels that only a male has that right to take the position of chief. The grandfather gathers a group of young boys from the village to teach them the important lessons that a Maori leader should attain. Pai also takes up the challenge of learning these lessons, despite going against her grandfather’s wishes.

Written and directed by Niki Caro and inspired by a novel by Witi Ihimaera, the film takes you through the daily routine that Pai faces, including the hardships she undertakes to prove herself worthy as a leader. Through all her efforts and with help from loved ones along the way, Pai dares to dream and live through and for her people.

Happy viewing!

What Next: AUIP soon selects summer bloggers

As summer programs start in the coming weeks, AUIP seeks program participants to serve as bloggers to share their experiences with our expansive audience.

With everyone from current, alumni and prospective students to parents, faculty and staff, our readers span a diverse range of people. Thus, bloggers will be able to reach this community with accounts from the field of South Pacific study abroad.

Bloggers will convey the firsthand aspects of the study abroad experience, such as feeding cows during a farmstay and taking scenic hikes at a bird sanctuary, by writing at least one blog per week during the program.

If you’re headed abroad with us this summer, then be sure to submit your application for consideration. An application can be obtained directly from your faculty leader.

For inspiration on this opportunity, read all the informative Student Perspective blogs from previous bloggers.

Student Perspective: Spend program free time being active, relaxing or catching up on coursework

Tiffany Kascak, the Lions Abroad marketing intern, writes:

Free time is a very important time, especially while studying abroad. This is a time where you have more opportunity for your own choices, creativity and learning outside of the course curriculum. Most students divide free time into one of the following categories: being active, relaxing or catching up on coursework. Here are some examples of how my classmates and I accomplished all three of these areas.

Hiking on Magnetic Island

Get active: You’ll be visiting some of the most beautiful places in the world, so being active can include anything from running and hiking to swimming and kayaking. On my North Queensland, Australia program, my group discovered the immense system of hiking trails on Magnetic Island, which we explored during program time and again on a free afternoon. We headed toward Balding Bay, and the trail was exhilarating and fun. Be sure to take your camera and stop for pictures, which will also give you a chance to catch your breath. Regardless of your program destination, your local field guide or the accommodation’s front desk attendants can provide you with hiking maps or their suggestions for the trails best suited to your preference.

Relax a bit: Your program will be jam-packed with activities, so be sure to relax in some of your free time so you don’t get exhausted. While in Port Douglas, Australia, my group spent a free day on the beach there just hanging out and chatting together. A short 10-minute walk from our accommodation led us to the beach. Students on the New Zealand program said some of their favorite places to relax have been: Hagley Park in Christchurch, Queenstown Gardens along Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown and Lake Matheson in Fox Glacier.

Hit the books: Yes, you do have coursework to complete during your program. Thus, some of your free time will need to be dedicated to reading your course book and writing modules. Each student knows himself or herself best when it comes to homework or study habits. You can find an area of your accommodation to study privately or in a group. If that doesn’t satisfy you, try packing up your study materials and heading to a nearby coffee shop (they’re bountiful in Australia and New Zealand!). Many coffee shops offer WiFi as well if you plan on multitasking.

Hopefully your free time is used wisely during your program! This free time can be a learning experience in itself if you make good use of it.