Santa Clara University

I must say that I was expecting to be living with a bunch more Kiwis, but most who attend Auckland University are commuter students.  The ones I am living with are all international or study abroad students.  At first I was disappointed but then I realized the immense diversity I was surrounded with.  I have discovered that the best way to approach a diverse community or any community is to always have an open mind and to ask an appropriate amount of questions.  When first getting to know the other residences of No. 14 Whitaker Place I found many people from all over Europe, North America, and Asia.  While we were having a social gathering of sorts in a neighboring flat one fellow decided that his country was the best country at drinking.  Of course everyone cheered for their own country and a drinking contest ensued.  As the fellow continued to drunkenly rave about how awesome his country was a clear rift started to form isolating him from the rest of the party.  Even his own countrymen were embarrassed by his actions.  I took away from this experience really learning that to be overly enthusiastic for your home country, while a broad, can turn people away from you.