Name: Stephen

University: Arizona State University (Graduate)

Course: Bachelor of Science, Tourism Development & Management

Heading to: New Zealand

For how long: 12 months

Starting: October 2010

Programme: New Zealand Tourism Internship programme

One of the main things that I am looking forward to in New Zealand is simply the change of lifestyle and the exciting opportunity to work abroad in a place that is twenty hours ahead of where I live. I keep hearing how wonderful the quality of life is, the natural beauty, and the friendliness of the kiwi culture that has me destined to achieve this particular type of lifestyle.

I plan to continually learn and gain valuable knowledge day in and day out of my internship to achieve the necessary tools for success in hotel management. There are many thoughts, expectations, and visions that I have when I land in New Zealand that will not be answered until I am actually there. To me, this is one of the most exciting parts of the Intern Options program as I feel it is the experience of it all that will make it worthwhile!

Having said that I have international experience working in New Zealand for a year will add tremendous value to my resume/CV. As with any thriving industry, the field of tourism is becoming more competitive and having gained work experience in a foreign country has me at an advantage over the competition and I could not be any more excited!

There are a variety of different reasons as to why I decided to choose New Zealand for my internship. First and foremost, it would be New Zealand’s potential for growth of tourism, especially since the Rugby World Cup will be held in Auckland in 2011. Another important reason why I chose New Zealand is its reputation for unmatched beauty of the landscape and diverse influence of cultures around the world.

Whenever I mention to a friend that I am moving to New Zealand, I notice a sense of jealousy and envy arise in their facial expressions. I feel that I am one of the lucky ones to have this incredible experience to live and work abroad in the youngest country on earth! I currently live in Phoenix, AZ and it will be nice to see a large body of water again as we are a land locked state.

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