Alumni support gives exchange students boost

If going on exchange wasn’t exciting enough already, 14 tauira will be getting some added financial support thanks to Otago’s alumni community.

Every year, two students going on an Otago Global Student Exchange to Canada receive a Brian Merrilees Award of $2,000 and 12 tauira heading to the US receive a $3,000 award from the Alumni of the University of Otago in America (AUOA).

More about the awards

Alivia McMurtry

Alivia McMurtry – who’s in in her final year of a Bachelor of Science majoring in Marine Science and minoring in French – will be heading to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UH) in Honolulu, in August.

The AUOA award helps immensely, she says.

“The exchange rate from NZD currency to USD is not very kind to my bank account, and Hawai‘i is known for being quite an expensive place to live. They call it ‘Paradise Tax’.

“So this incredible initiative takes some of that financial pressure off and allows me to fully make the most of my time abroad. A massive thank you to the AUOA Board.”

UH is a hotly contested university for exchange placements. For Alivia, its Marine Science programme is the main drawcard followed closely by the region’s diverse ecosystems.

“UH has an incredible Marine Science programme including state-of-the-art climatology centre Mauna Loa Observatory, where they collect data that forms the basis of much of our climate-change knowledge. It’s incredible.

“I’m also really looking forward to seeing all the different marine biodiversity that Hawai‘i has that New Zealand doesn’t. An ecosystem I’m most stoked about is coral reefs. My mum’s name is Coral, and I’ve not yet seen living coral in my lifetime, so I really want to experience her namesake.”

Anna Knackstedt

Anna Knackstedt – who is in her third year of a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology with a minor in French – will spend next semester at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario.

“I chose Queens because I heard positive things about their student culture, which is similar to Otago, and because of their international reputation.

“I’m excited about the connections I’ll make during my exchange, as well as the opportunity to fully immerse myself in Canadian life, such as trying ice hockey and exploring the outdoors.”

Studying in Canada will provide the ideal environment to enhance her language skills, reconnect with her grandparents who live in Ontario, and deepen her understanding of inclusive mental health and community support, she says.

“I’m considering a pathway into nursing, and this experience will help me explore healthcare from a broader, more global perspective.

“I’m also excited to volunteer at Camp Massawippi – a summer camp in Quebec that’s designed for people with physical disabilities. It aims to give them the same opportunities as a traditional camp through adapted activities.”

The Brian Merrilees Award will ease financial stress and allow her to fully take part in academic and cultural opportunities, Anna says.

“Alumni grants are incredibly generous and create a meaningful connection between past and current students. It shows the lasting impact of the exchange experience.”

Development and Alumni Relations Stewardship Officer Jude McCracken says Otago alumni feel a deep gratitude for their education, experiences, and the opportunities their University education provided.

“Giving back to the University and providing support and opportunities for current students that make a real difference to their academic journey is so rewarding. We are very grateful for the support we receive from Alumni and Friends.

“Their support continues to strengthen the global Otago community, fostering a network that supports both alumni and the University's mission.”

• Support students at the University of Otago here
• Read more about students on exchange here

– Kōrero by Internal Communications Adviser Laura Hewson