I’ve been in Queenstown now for about 6 months and can honestly say that this has been one of the most awesome experiences of my life. This time last year I was briefly talking to Jon about working in New Zealand for my placement – at that point i was very skeptical and didn’t think it would actually happen.

After many long months of anxious waiting I received a phone call saying that a placement was found and that in just over a month I’d be in New Zealand.

The first few weeks of work were exciting as I was placed on the Luge (buggie) at the tourism attraction I work at (which is on top of a mountain overlooking Queenstown). The people and the nightlife here are incredible…there’s so much going on.

The work is great, although it can get repetitive at times especially now in the summer when we’re open for long hours…the work is entirely outdoors and you are constantly face-to-face with customers. However, the life here is second to none…there is always something to do activity-wise and am finding it difficult to do everything here before I leave in June, the options are limitless!

Finding your own accommodation here can be difficult if you arrive during the summer and winter months and if you are on your own. The Lakes Weekly Bulletin – the local magazine/paper is a great help as it advertises heaps of accommodation available as well as other things. But for me, I decided to stay in a hostel across the road from where i work. It’s very close to town, its got several long-term residents, you meet new people each and everyday and on top of that…..its loads of fun!! In a nutshell – it resembles the student dorms you get at uni.

I have since spoken to many of my friends about each of their placements as well as mine and the majority (not including those who went overseas) have said how jealous they were of me and wished they went abroad for their placement – particularly to New Zealand. The only downside…if any…is that its very easy to get homesick during the first few months if you are by yourself…so take the extra step to make friends and meet new people and you’ll come out on top.

Looking back at the past 6 months I can honestly say that I am glad I took the risk to work abroad in New Zealand for my placement year. Jon and Intern Options were very helpful back in November when I first took interest in this incredible opportunity, and throughout the months the advice they provided was really great, the information provided on insurance, flights and visas was also helpful and made the final steps of the placement planning easy and painless.

The only drawback – again if any – was the waiting process. It was not until May that I received the confirmation (which meant that looking for another placement in case this one fell through was necessary). But in the end patience sufficed, and am here now having the time of my life on the other side of the world. Thank you Jon and everyone at Intern Options for everything.

If you’re interested in a Tourism Internship like Kyle’s in Queenstown, Auckland, Wellington, Rotorua in New Zealand, you can check out the Tourism Internships page for more information.