Coming into New Zealand, I was full of excitement and also extremely nervous. I had no idea what It was going to be like working in a completely different country with different policies and a different philosophy of nursing. When I first stepped onto 5 North at the Wellington Regional Hospital I knew I was in for the steepest learning curve of my career as a student nurse. I worked on an oncology, renal and hematology unit, three specialty’s all on one ward. I knew I had lots of learning to do and I was ready for the challenge. The amount of learning and growth that happened during the 5 weeks was something I did not expect to happen.
I had so many amazing opportunities and had so much growth as a nursing student, something I believe I could not have gained fully in Victoria. I was surrounded by intelligent hardworking nurses who fully supported my goals and learning. I was fortunate to make really special connections with the people in New Zealand. I would highly recommend this experience to future nursing students, this experience has impacted my nursing career and the learning I will take with me as I move forward in my post-secondary.
- Courtenay Niedermayer, New Zealand Field School 2019
When I left for New Zealand I did not know what I was getting myself into since I had barely spoke to the others who were joining me on this adventure. Coming back from New Zealand I came back to Canada with six new friends who I would consider my family.
Little did we all know that spending close to six weeks together in a small seven bed hostel room would create life long memories and new friendships. This field school paired me with six amazing, loving and unique individuals who impacted my life more than I ever expected. They were there for me during the highs and the lows, and brought so many different perspectives and so much positivity during the whole experience. I feel so grateful that these people came into my life and we were able to experience New Zealand together. I truly believe these individuals were a part of the reason this field school was so successful, they became people who brought out the best in me and it would never have happened if I never went on this field school.
Everyone chooses to study abroad for different reasons. Jasleen Tung shares why she decided to complete her nursing practicum with the New Zealand Field School.
A major reason why I wanted to participate in study abroad was to gain a greater understanding of cultural competence. It was interesting for me to see the difference in the nursing programs and the opportunity to be in a Māori, Pacific, or Mainstream (European) focused program.
I had the chance to experience traditional practices and work in a clinic and at a hospital on an orthopedic/urology unit. This brought forward challenges in my beliefs and values, and I was able to reflect on the differences of practice.
Overall, I gained a greater understanding and respect of the people of New Zealand and a greater understanding of myself.
Students who participated in the 2016 New Zealand Nursing Field School spent two weeks in homestay accommodations and two weeks in a Wellington hostel. Both experiences are unique in their own way. Evette Patchett shares her views on homestays vs. hostels.
I am a second year nursing student taking part in the New Zealand Field School. I am a single mother and slightly older than the majority of my classmates. I had the opportunity to take part in a four-week field school based in Wellington, New Zealand where I spent time at a community clinic and also the Wellington hospital.
In the past when I have travelled, I have either stayed with friends or at hotels. I have never been a homestay student or stayed in a hostel. This trip provided me with the opportunity to experience both environments. The first two weeks in New Zealand I was placed with a couple with older children who were no longer living at home. The "mother" was a third-year nursing student here at Whitireia College. Both were quite active and made heaps of suggestions of things we could do together. The last two weeks we were placed in a hostel together. There were six of us...in one room. it's a good way to push you out of your comfort zone for sure!
My homestay experience was amazing. I was offered opportunities to do and see things that I would never had received if I was travelling on my own or even staying in the hostel the whole time. This included amazing hikes and a trail run and even just the local knowledge of the culture and foods that were provided for dinner. I was SO sad to leave my home stay family after the two weeks there.
I was travelling with five other students, two of which I knew prior to this trip as we are in the same nursing section. Being placed in a hostel together, in the same room gave us the opportunity to get to know each other more and create strong bonds and friendships. Living with anyone can be trying but when you put six different personalities in the same room for two weeks, it can push you out of your comfort zone. I am grateful for the opportunity to spend time in a hostel and am sure I will use them again in the future when I travel. It was nice to meet other people from different cultures not associated with my schooling in the hostel. I also got to know my classmates very well and it was nice to be able to spend time with them in a social and professional manner. Having the support from my peers was amazing and I was blessed to have this experience with such amazing people.
Having the mix of accommodation was fantastic as we got a good taste of the culture here and also had our peer support later on in our trip. I found it to be a nice mix and recommend either accommodation options for future trips.
