Natalia's Study Abroad in New Zealand

Hello! My name is Natalia Smith and I am a Senior at Eastern Kentucky University. Before the summer of 2022, I never believed traveling abroad to be a realistic goal. I knew others had gone beyond U.S. borders and some had even traveled the world. I knew these people were like me in some ways and exact opposites in others. Yet, even with all the examples of the possibility I believe studying abroad to be impossible. By the end of summer in 2022 I was hooked. A trip to New York, lasting less than a week, and a two week study abroad experience in London, England changed my perspective of travel completely. The new and exciting environments of Times Square and Piccadilly Circus showed me the excitement the world had to offer. The Castle in Dover reminded me that viewing what once was helps us to develop what will be. Without these experiences I know I would have continued to spiral. As a high achiever and hyper independent young black woman I experience unexplainable pressure from the world around me and from myself. Traveling was the breath of fresh air I needed to continue my strides of success and grow as a person. This opportunity to study abroad in New Zealand will be the refreshing experience I need to end my time at Eastern Kentucky University properly. So, I am reaching out to my community and whomever would support me in my endeavors to travel, study and expand my worldly and intercultural experiences. Traveling abroad, even through University, is costly. Expenses include transportation, housing, tuition, meals, and more. I endeavor to apply to a roster of scholarships to aid in covering the cost of this experience. However, scholarships are not guaranteed. I am reaching out for assistance in financing my opportunity to study abroad for a semester in the spring of 2024. I thank everyone for their time and consideration.