New Zealand study-abroad group posing on a grassy hill, with a coastal bay and rolling hills in the background.

From New Zealand to Brazil

 

Arrington Krull (Senior, Farm Management; Milford, IN) and Berenize DelReal Perez (Junior, Agribusiness; Goodland, IN) traveled with 18 Boilermakers to New Zealand. The trip included visits to the city of Auckland, a cruise to Waiheke Island, a tour of the Hobbiton movie set, a stop at Lincoln University and an exploration of the sheep industry.

wk26_NZ. Hobiton Selfie Woman wearing a Purdue College of Ag T‑shirt smiling as she bottle-feeds a lamb inside a barn Three young women laughing and wading in shallow ocean water with sailboats anchored on the horizon.

This is Arrington’s fourth study abroad as an undergraduate, including travel to Costa Rica, Brazil, France and Monaco. Her top activities included Hobbiton, Agrodome and Waiheke Island. She watched “The Lord of the Rings” before going on the trip and found it interesting that the set is actually on an operating family-owned sheep and beef farm. Arrington enjoyed learning how the sheep industry fits into the New Zealand economy, as well as their stops at the Agrodome and Lumina Lamb. On Waiheke Island, she enjoyed visiting the three wineries and found the wine made from the regional Syrah grapes was delicious.

Arrington summarized, “Getting to travel the world during all my four years at Purdue has shaped me into the person I am today. This New Zealand trip was especially special because it was the last study abroad experience I got to share with my best friends while we were still students together. My advice: do that study abroad. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to make lasting memories with some of your closest friends.

Agrodome collage: sheep breed display, sheep grazing in a field, cartoon farm character statues, and cows grazing Colorful roses surrounding four friends lying head-to-head on grass at Christchurch Botanic Gardens Four friends taking a selfie on a grassy hill with rolling green hills and trees in the background.

Berenize went to Brazil last Spring Break, so this is her second study abroad as a Boilermaker. This trip was actually “born” after the tour guide from the last trip, Leandro, told them about the wonders of New Zealand. She wasn’t disappointed after seeing the beautiful scenery on Waiheke Island, with the vineyards and olive trees, the Māori village welcome ceremony and dinner, and her favorite memory: the Greek family-style farewell dinner.

Berenize added, “This trip really showed me the power of networking and connections. While at Lincoln University, we met with 2 students who are also going to study abroad for a semester at Purdue, as well as professors who have visited Purdue in the past.”