Brianne from Canada
​12 months in New Zealand

​"I had no idea how much I would grow as an individual."

Going to New Zealand changed me forever! As expected I learned heaps about myself, but also I learned about my own country, and  gained a wider perspective of what "culture" means. I had no idea how much I would grow as an individual.  

I worked on a vegetable farm. My main tasks were planting, weeding, harvesting, and selling produce at the local farmers market. The food and produce in New Zealand amaze me! Kiwis put a big emphasis on good quality, local food. 

I had two main culture shocks. The first was the local manufacturing market. It was very eye-opening to see how they manufacture so much  for themselves! It is a beautiful cycle: manufacturers can rely on local support, and locals can rely on local manufacturers to provide for them. 

The second culture shock was how green everything was! Every house has a huge garden in their yard- food and plants! Everywhere I looked I saw green foliage spilling into the view. It smelled great : ) 

Oh! And the coffee was AMAZING!