UK exchange changed Kim's perspective on home

Kim is studying a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Agriculture. She’s passionate about the subject and the broad spectrum of elective classes allows her to study the topics she enjoys most.

That flexibility stretched even further with the Professor Barry Dent Scholarship. The scholarship allowed Kim to spend six months studying abroad at the Royal Agricultural University in the United Kingdom.

The experience allowed her to learn about agriculture from a completely new perspective.

“The majority of what I have studied is in the New Zealand context of farming. After doing the exchange I have a feel for the challenges and opportunities farmers face in European countries”

And there are many challenges. Kim learnt about environmental factors, biosecurity, politics, ethical pressures, markets and more. She left the UK with a better understanding of why New Zealand’s agriculture sector is so successful.

“I also got to see where our produce actually ends up. I entered Waitrose and Tesco supermarkets in the UK and found New Zealand lamb and wine with New Zealand labelling - it gave me goose bumps and a feeling of home.

“It was fascinating comparing the UK’s domestically focused, often traditional agriculture with New Zealand’s efficiency-driven, export-based model.”

Studying in the UK opened the door for all kinds of adventures. Based in Cirencester, Kim was able to venture out and explore the wider United Kingdom, such as Wales, Scotland, London and Cotswolds. She explored medieval villages, ate in country pubs, and enjoyed community fairs set up in the streets. A highlight was joining other students and Kaleb Cooper from Clarkson’s Farm to tow a John Deere through Cirencester as a charity fundraiser.

Once the semester was over, Kimberley used the rest of her time to travel Europe. She enjoyed a German Christmas, explored historic cities and experienced diverse cultures.

 “I even sat in on a friends’ German veterinary lectures and visited a dairy farm, discovering how uncommon and unheard of pasture-based systems are there.”

The exchange has built her confidence and given her a new appreciation for home. It will be valuable insight heading forward in life and her career.

“It’s made me more aware of my own Kiwi identity—our way of life, the people, and down-to-earth approach in NZ.

“I’ve met people from all over the world—students, farmers, lecturers, travellers, and locals—and it’s inspired me to keep building international networks.

“Living on the other side of the world has definitely boosted my confidence, and I’m back feeling motivated to make the most of what I’ve learned.”