Megan Thomas

What overseas experience did you go on and why did you choose it?

I studied one semester abroad (Global Exchange) at the University of Navarra (UNav) in Pamplona, Spain. In high school, I went on an exchange to Spain and knew that I always wanted to return. I continued studying Spanish throughout high school and took two Spanish papers in my first year of uni, so a university exchange seemed like the perfect opportunity to continue learning Spanish and also return to the country I fell in love with as a kid!

How did you find your experience?

Absolutely life-changing. The experience of living in a country on the opposite side of the world, with a different language, a different culture, and so many diverse people is intimidating, yes, but also so special. It pushed me outside my comfort zone, taught me fresh perspectives, and was a whole load of fun. 

What did you like most about it?

One highlight was definitely the travel. I was able to explore all around Spain and see a lot of Europe. I also loved feeling like I had a routine and life set up in Spain. I had my gym, my route to university, the bars my friends and I would go to, and I would run into people on the street. It really made me feel as if I was living in a different country rather than just travelling. 

What is the education like on your international experience? 

Very different, in almost every sense! We had mandatory participation (not just attendance), many group projects, smaller class sizes and being called on by your name, and no lecture recordings. It was a huge adjustment, but that is all part of it – having to adapt and try a new style of learning. 

How did you find the courses, teaching styles, your classmates, and the facilities?

The facilities were beautiful. There were marble spiral staircases and architecturally designed buildings. My classmates were mostly exchange students, as one-third of UNav is international. The Spanish students were very well-dressed and quite formal, which was an adjustment from UC. As an international business student, it was fascinating to learn from European business lecturers. One economic lecturer had to miss a class as he was flying to America for a conference regarding the recent imposition of Trump’s tariffs. Learning from someone that involved in current events was an insightful experience. 

What were your accommodation arrangements?

I lived in a privately owned and operated “student house” - a three-story apartment with 12 other girls who were all also on exchange. It was so much fun, and my first time in apartment living, which was a new experience! 

How did you find life at your host university?

Life at UNav was fun. They have such an amazing international school programme, so it was a melting pot of culture, language, and people. What I liked most was that you could be sitting in class working with people from Finland, Uruguay, America, and China. It truly is an experience like no other. Not only did I get to learn about Spanish culture by being there, I also got insights into all these different cultures through the people I was surrounded by. 

How did you find life in your host country?

The Spanish lifestyle is super laid back. It was really refreshing not seeing people rushing from one thing to another and instead enjoying being in the moment (although Spaniards are almost always late). An example of this is their “siesta” time, where from 2pm-5pm all the stores in town close so families can get together to share a large meal, relax, have another coffee, and then continue with their day. Because of this, shops don’t close until 8-9pm, dinner is around that time, and the clubs don’t get going until 2am. It’s a very different lifestyle!

What did you get up to when you weren’t studying?

On weekends I travelled around Spain with different groups of people and explored the city I lived in. There was a lot to see and do! I even enjoyed the “mundane” things, like going to the plaza for a drink, pincho (small bite to eat), and reading a book. During spring break, we travelled to the Canary Islands and Morocco, which was definitely a highlight! When studying ended, I backpacked through 11 countries around Europe.  

What insights did you gain from your experience?

The list of learnings and new skills are almost endless. I have gained independence, confidence, a fresh perspective, and new connections, and it has challenged my thinking and pushed me outside of my comfort zone. It really widened my eyes to the world. When your German friend is sitting next to you applying for internships at the United Nations and the Hague, it makes those aspirations or goals that may feel quite far away in New Zealand feel more tangible.

I feel it also directly benefited my future employment. I was undertaking summer internship job interviews whilst I was there, and the majority of the conversations were centred on my exchange and what I have learnt from it. I believe every offer I received was tied to my exchange experience (and my second language) and how that gave me an “edge” against others.  

How do you think the international experience will help you in the future?

It has made me a global thinker and more able to accommodate diverse perspectives, which is important for my major in International Business. It also will help as I now have friends (and places to stay) across the globe! 

Would you recommend other students take part in your international experience?

Yes, without a doubt. It is a transformative experience. Taking part in an international experience in general will teach you so much, and you will get to learn from and engage with such diverse and amazing people. As for going to Spain, who doesn’t love a midday nap?!

Any tips or advice?

Say yes to every opportunity, be open minded, and be kind. The rest will fall into place. Trust the process.