I spent a year in New Zealand. My favorite part of the year was the opportunity to indulge in other cultures, especially those of my host country and my peers. When you go through an experience such as this, the bond built with those who also went through it is unbreakable. I lived in a house with 8 other people, mostly Europeans, and spent almost all of my time with them. I became insanely close and gained some lifelong friends I’m now able to travel to see!
On the flipside, the biggest challenge was saying goodbye to them. I got very close to the German volunteers, and after becoming a family with them and experiencing a whole new world for a year, saying goodbye and not knowing how long it will be until I see them again is dreadful.
After this Quest, the impact on my life has been impeccable. I learned to become more social, humble, and overall happier. This experience showed me how much the modern “necessities” of life are not that important.
I learned to live life to truly nothing but the fullest, and enjoy the little moments a million times more. I wish nothing more than for everyone to have an experience as life-changing as this. I am forever grateful.