Emilyn Jane Gjertsen's Photographs from New Zealand (photographs)
Date
2014-05-112014-04-24
2014-05-06
Author
Gjertsen, Emilyn Jane
Subject
Study Abroad Photo Exhibits
GEOL 373 Regional Geology of New Zealand
WLU Spring Term
New Zealand
Metadata
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These photographs were taken by Emilyn Jane Gjertsen during Spring Term of 2014 in New Zealand. The class was GEOL 373 Regional Geology of New Zealand. These photographs were part of the Study Abroad Photo Exhibit on October 14, 2014. Emilyn Jane Gjertsen is a member of the class of 2016 of Washington and Lee University. Student statement about their experience: "My Spring Term trip to New Zealand with the Geology Department was my first foray into international travel. Having discovered my passion for Geology in my freshman year, it was an especially meaningful intellectual experience. We visited approximately ten cities on both the North and South Islands, and made many stops in between where the cool rocks were. We studied volcanism in Taupo, faults in Wellington and Christchurch, and glaciers in the Alps. Geology is an internally diverse science, and New Zealand gave us the opportunity to explore many branches of the study in less than a month. One day we were making geologic maps at the Tongariro Crossing (home to Mount Doom of Lord of the Rings fame), and less than two weeks later were standing less than 25 meters away from Fox Glacier. The highlight of the trip for me was the White Island tour, where we walked on the crater of an active volcano in the middle of the Bay of Plenty; it was an otherworldly experience.
My international study experience was definitely enhanced by the awesome people there with me. Professor Connors and Professor Mitchell made every day fun and informative, and effectively used whatever geologic setting we were in to help illustrate the concepts taught that day. Every W&L student on the trip was motivated to learn and readily embraced the local culture, making for great camaraderie between us during and after the trip. I would recommend to other students studying abroad to seize the experience. Focus on your learning, try new things, have fun, and make good stories. You never know when, or if you will go back. And if you're going somewhere to study Geology, definitely bring back a rock!"