In what he describes as "a tremendous experience", James Willocks has secured his dream job as a result of a Study Abroad opportunity.

While studying for his Physical Conditioning programme, James was offered the chance of a lifetime to complete part of his studies in the United States and undertake a one-year internship coaching athletes at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New England.

“It is this hands-on experience - delivered on by Otago Polytechnic - that my previous university study lacked," he says. "I actually got to do the work rather than just learn about the theory. It was a privilege gaining real-world experience and seeing the students that I coached grow as athletes and as people."

James has since been offered a permanent job at Dartmouth College - and, he has now married an American woman he met while on exchange.

During his time abroad, James got to explore a lot of the United States. He visited Texas and Ohio and every state on the East Coast from Maine all the way down to Florida.

“I 100% recommend this experience: look at where it gets you and the opportunities it presents. The professional and personal relationships you create last a lifetime."