Molly Esleeck
About My Study Abroad Program
Major/Minor: HDFS & Global Studies
Program: University of Auckland
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Email: esleeck@live.unc.edu
Term: Fall 2019
Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
I wanted to study abroad because I wanted to immerse myself in a new culture and explore another part of the world I had never been to before. I selected Auckland because I had never been to New Zealand before, and I knew this would be only one of the opportunities I would have to visit there. Also, I wanted a place where I would be out of my comfort zone but it wouldn't be too much of a culture shock.
What did you learn about yourself?
I learned that traveling alone/with people you barely met can be really different and challenging but also really fun! I also learned that being alone and independent are important skills to develop and its okay to be that way. I also discovered a love I have for being outside. It doesn't matter if I was hiking a mountain or doing homework on a picnic table; I feel so much better when I've spent time outside.
What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
Lying on the beach in Cook Islands, reading a good book, and having random dogs come up and sit with me and my friend.
What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
You might not have the experience that you thought, but whatever your experience turns into. own it and make the most of your time, because it goes by super fast!
Would you do it again?
Yes
How were your classes abroad different than if you would have taken them at UNC?
A lot of the classes have very little grades/big assignments like papers which I was used to at UNC, so you had to do really well on every assignment in order to get a good grade. I'm used to having a lot of opportunities to boost my grade so it was a big adjustment!
Memories
