“Everything has been great. My hosts are kind people to work for! Even in the busy and stressful times my boss remains patient and easygoing. I am surprised with how many people I have met that live in New Zealand, but aren’t originally from here! I have gone to a couple Young Farmers meetings to meet some locals, and many of the club members were from the UK. Overall, NZ people seem quite friendly and easygoing.”

Going through International Rural Exchange Canada is a great way to experience the world. Not only did I get to experience agriculture on the other side of the world, but I also had time to travel on my own and with friends! I went to Melbourne, Sydney, and the Gold Coast. The most memorable experiences I had while traveling was climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Sydney and learning to surf in the Gold Coast!

I had a super time in the Netherlands. I was happy at Eko De Eerste Boerderij and had a great experience meeting new friends from around the world. And learning lots about organic vegetable farming! Looking back, I'd say my trip to the Netherlands, (and some other places in Europe) was a total success! I really enjoyed my international experience, and I hope the things I learned about agriculture, and myself, I can apply to what I do in future endeavours.

Everything is going well. I am thoroughly enjoying my experience. The family here is really nice. I am definitely well fed. I met up with 3 other Canadians, and I have met up with some local farmers at the pub on Friday night, one being a host to a Danish fellow who lives just down the road. I have been able to drive all the way out to Oamaru and I've been to a couple of rodeos as well.