From classroom to adventure

Studying abroad at AUT gave education student Sydney Amato from the University of Vermont the chance to teach, travel and grow in ways she never expected.

Sydney Amato

Why I chose to come to AUT in New Zealand:

I studied at AUT because it was the one place I had the opportunity to student teach in a Year 7 classroom. It was an incredible opportunity, and I’m so grateful to have had the chance to educate in another country. Additionally, my home university has a strong partnership with AUT, so I knew my credits would transfer nicely, and I would be supported while studying abroad.

What I enjoyed most about spending a semester in New Zealand:

I enjoyed getting to immerse myself in another country’s culture. Before going to New Zealand, I knew minimal information about Māori beliefs and values. After taking TIKA500 International Noho Marae: Indigenous Encounters of a Māori Kind and engaging in many conversations with Māori people, I absolutely loved being a part of the AUT marae and getting to participate in waiata, karakia and general conversations about what it means to be in a whānau.

How I found learning in a different academic system:

It was a bit of an adjustment, as my home university holds classes a few times a week for a shorter amount of time rather than once a week for a longer period of time. The workload was also a big adjustment, as I’m used to many assignments throughout the term that have less weight, compared to AUT, where most of my classes had 2–3 assignments that were heavily weighted. I managed these adjustments by giving myself lots of time to work on my projects and constantly checking in with my professors for assistance.

What I gained from my time in Auckland:

I gained so much during my time abroad. Academically, I learned how to teach in a different country using a new curriculum, how to speak a different language and how to adapt my teaching to meet the needs of all of my students. Personally, I have become more independent, adaptable and confident in my ability to figure my way out of any situation. This experience stretched me physically and mentally, and I’m now more aware of cultural differences and have a deeper appreciation for the relationships and opportunities I have in my life. Finally, I learned that growth only happens outside of your comfort zone, and this experience abroad taught me a lot about how to navigate discomfort.