The 18-year-old Louvisa from Sweden will soon travel to New Zealand for six months to improve English in Auckland. Read more about your preparation process here.
My name is Louvisa, I am 18 years old and currently attend a secondary school in Sweden. I traveled to Auckland for 6 months. When I was 13, I was already in Malta with EF for 2 weeks.
Experience was a real challenge for the person I was back then. Of course I learned a lot about the English language, but the greatest growth was probably in my self -esteem and self -confidence. I have never been away from home for so long without knowing anyone where I would go. Although it was an emotional roller coaster for joy, nervousness and anticipation, I will never forget the trip to Malta.
There was the interest of experiencing the same thing again, but this time I wanted to go one step further. I have always heard stories about people who made exchange years, made language trips and traveled during or after the high school. I wanted that too, but it is easier said than done. For several years the dream of a similar adventure came into my head a few times a year.
It was fun to dream of it, but it always felt so far that I never really chased the idea. Then suddenly I was the high school in the second year, the last year passed as if in a flash, and in a year I will graduate. I started to hear a lot of all the funny plans that the others had around me.
Then the idea came back; to go on a language trip after the end. I still didn't know what I wanted to study in the future, so a break seemed inevitable. The question was: which options were available?
Since I didn't know what I wanted to study, it was difficult to book an exchange year because it often takes place between a university in Sweden (which of course required enrollment at the university) and a school abroad. Studying at a university abroad without an exchange program seemed to be both expensive and complicated, since I would have to find my own accommodation, suitable courses and would have to do without any instructions. EF seemed to be a more convenient and safer alternative.
The process of choosing what I wanted to study at EF was relatively easy. An intensive English course seemed right to me – a mix of English lessons with an optional addition to Business English. The only question was where I wanted to go.
Every travel destination appears exciting when researching when you sit in front of the laptop in April in April and look at the slush while you look at pictures of Miami, Vancouver and Sydney.
However, one goal stood out: Auckland in New Zealand. To be honest, I didn't know much about New Zealand. The lord of the rings was shot there, they love rugby, and the indigenous people are called Maori. Oh, and of course there are kiwivögel. Otherwise I lacked any knowledge. After a few hours of online research (mainly pictures to be honest) I was sure to have found the right place.
What attracted me the most in New Zealand, being very open and hospitable in addition to the good reputation of the locals, was the nature of the country. Thanks to its large size in relation to its small population, there is a lot of nature to explore. Hiking, or as the New Zealanders call it, tramping, together with mountain biking and kayaking, seem to be very popular, and there are a variety of hiking trails, caves and beaches.
When I was 18, I received a late birthday present from some family friends: a travel guide about New Zealand. After leafing through the first 5 pages, I already have at least 8 destinations that I want to visit, some of which can be booked via EF. After contacting EF regarding insurance, flight there, accommodation, etc., the decision felt more than right. I received quick and clear support from my fantastic study consultant Maria, and together we found a facility that felt great for me and my family. A few weeks later I went to the EF office in Stockholm and booked the journey of my life. Now I only have to wait a year before I step on my adventure.
