Daniel Murray
About My Study Abroad Program
Major/Minor: Exercise Science, Medical Anthropology double major
Program: The University of Otago
Location: Dunedin, New Zealand
Email: danmu@email.unc.edu
Term: Fall 2019
Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
I selected this program because of the location. I wanted to go to NZ to enjoy the outdoors and beautiful sites, as well as have a fun experience with limited barriers such as language. After selecting location, I decided on the city of Dunedin because I was told by other ambassadors it was similar to UNC's size and environment which is something I really liked. It seemed like the perfect fit of education, relaxation, and beautiful surroundings to explore which are all things I wanted out of my experience.
What did you learn about yourself?
Studying abroad forces you outside of your comfort zone in many ways. It leaves you feeling exposed and vulnerable, and makes you figure out things whether you want to or not. I learned so much about my self and the way I think, interact with people, and just function overall. Everyone's experience will be different, but at some point you are forced to reevaluate yourself truly, and it is the most freeing experience you will ever have.
What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
One of my favorite memories from my program occurred just a few weeks after I arrived. Me and a group of eight friends I made took a road trip one weekend to Mt. Cook - the largest mountain in NZ. We spent the nights camping at a campsite - something I have never done before - and hiked up a 12 hour trail early one morning. Having never camped and never have done a trail more than a handful of hours it was quite crazy to think I was about to do it with a group of people I had just met a few weeks prior. The trip was exhausting, but the memories and pictures we made throughout the weekend will never be forgotten.
What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
Coming from someone who studies abroad during the global pandemic of COVID, I should be the first to tell you there are many many uncertainties and random events that will pop up and make you uncomfortable. What I have to say to that? You're halfway across the country so there is really only one option. You have to deal with it. Will it be hard sometimes? Extremely. I know I cried my fair bit. But in the end, you will have done it. Whatever uncertainty you face you will have gotten through it no matter the struggle it takes and at the end of the program, you will be that much better of a person and know that much more about yourself. No uncertainty is large enough to not be worth going through it.
Memories
