Travel Report from New Zealand

All students at NORWEL are encouraged to undertake a research stay at an institution abroad. Mary Elisabeth is one of those who applied for and was granted a travel scholarship from NORWEL. Here, we get to hear a bit about her stay in New Zealand.

Through the NORWEL scholarship, I was given the opportunity to undertake a short scientific mission at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, from January 21st to February 28th, 2026. This research stay was both academically enriching and personally memorable, offering valuable insights into comparative child protection systems while immersing me in a distinctive cultural and geographical setting.

Before applying for the scholarship, I contacted Professor Emily Keddell, whose research closely aligns with my own. During my PhD, I focused on social inequality within the Norwegian child welfare system using administrative data. Professor Keddell’s work similarly examines inequality and decision-making within the New Zealand child protection system, making the collaboration a natural fit. I was delighted when she agreed to host me, and I eagerly began preparing for the stay.

Within my first week at the University of Otago, I presented my research to the Department of Social Work. The presentation led to thoughtful and constructive discussions, and the feedback I received was invaluable. Engaging with scholars working in a different national and institutional context broadened my perspective and highlighted the importance of external viewpoints when conducting comparative research.

The first weeks of the research stay were relatively quiet, as the university was in its summer break and students returned in mid-February. This slower pace proved ideal, allowing me dedicated time to prepare for my PhD defense, which was scheduled for mid-March. The calm academic atmosphere, combined with easy access to departmental resources, made this period both productive and focused.

The highlight of my stay in Dunedin was undoubtedly the people. I felt warmly welcomed by colleagues in the department and was consistently impressed by their generosity and openness. One particularly meaningful experience was being invited to participate in the department’s overnight stay with a local Indigenous community. This trip is a mandatory component of the social work program at the University of Otago, and experiencing it firsthand made its importance immediately clear. I learned a great deal about Māori culture, values, and history, and gained a deeper understanding of community-based social work and Indigenous perspectives within the New Zealand welfare system. I am deeply grateful for having been included in such a unique and humbling experience.

Beyond Academic Life

Outside of work, I had the opportunity to explore the remarkable natural beauty of New Zealand, and especially of the Otago region. Dunedin is a city unlike any I have experienced before: set between rolling green hills and the vast Pacific Ocean, it combines dramatic landscapes with a strong sense of history and character. Often described as Scotland’s little sister, the city’s Victorian architecture, steep streets, and ever-changing coastal weather give it a distinct atmosphere.

I spent much of my free time outdoors, climbing regularly and visiting nearby beaches and nature reserves. The Otago Peninsula, with its rugged cliffs, quiet bays, and rich wildlife, became a favorite destination. The ability to move so easily between academic life and nature was one of the most rewarding aspects of the stay.

During my time in Dunedin, I rented a room in the home of a local resident through Airbnb, which turned out to be an excellent decision. Living with someone familiar with the area allowed me to experience everyday life in Dunedin and learn far more about the city and its surroundings than I would have otherwise. I also developed close friendships with several colleagues, and I was continually struck by their hospitality and kindness.

Overall, I highly recommend applying for a NORWEL scholarship and undertaking a short scientific mission abroad. This stay not only deepened my understanding of differences and similarities between child protection systems but also strengthened my academic network and broadened my perspective as a researcher. I am confident that the insights and relationships gained during my time in New Zealand will have a lasting and positive impact on my future research.