1. Recycling is a social obligation

In a lot of places, people will give you dirty looks if you don't recycle or compost. It's not a crime or anything, but most places have recycling bins in convenient location and it's just always best to be nice to the planet. Also, make sure you pay attention to what you're putting in food waste containers as a lot of it goes to feed pigs. Pigs do not eat meat or non-food waste. It makes them sick. So be careful what you toss where.

2. The toilets are slightly different

The water level is low and there are two flush buttons – one for a half flush and the other for a full flush. This is called a dual flush toilet. And yes, you can flush toilet paper. Don't worry, I was wondering the same thing. Just don't flush anything that's not pee, poo, puke, or (toilet) paper.

3. Be prepared for lots of very steep hills

"But I live in the Appalachians," you say. "I know mountains. They don't faze me."

4. Customs is serious about invasive species

As of the time of the writing of this article, the customs process involved disinfecting any dirty shoes to kill any living things that might have hitched a ride (such as a nasty soil-borne virus that's been causing problems) and a thorough check to make sure there are no plant or animal materials in your bags. They even have dogs that sniff your luggage. Any highly processed foods like granola bars are probably fine, but when in doubt, declare it anyway.

5. Internal flights are very small

You might end up flying between Auckland and/or Rotorua and/or Wellington because of the deceptively huge distances between the cities. If you do this, make absolutely sure your carry-on bag fits the size requirements. Maybe go for one that's a bit smaller just in case. One of the biggest pains of the trip was finding out at the very last second that my carry-on bag was one inch too big to fit into the tiny overhead compartment. I had to stow it under the seat in front of me, which left zero room for my legs.

6. The long-haul flight is actual torture

Going from the U.S. to New Zealand is probably the longest flight you will ever take. Definitely do your research. Drink lots (of water, not alcohol; if you do decide to drink alcohol be mindful that you might get intoxicated faster than normal) and exercise as much as possible. This will be next to impossible if you're in a window seat. In general when you get up try to multitask. Go to the bathroom, freshen up, and exercise as much as you can before you go to sit back down. There will not be a lot of space to exercise. I'm not fat but I have wide hips and I had to walk sideways down the aisles to avoid bumping into people. Also time your outings properly to avoid getting in the way of flight attendants. On my next long-haul flight I'm investing in compression socks and you should too.

7. New Zealand's equivalent of a middle finger

Obscene gestures aren't the same in all countries. If you feel the need to make a peace sign, be very careful about how you do it. The V Sign (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V_sign) is offensive in Commonwealth countries, including New Zealand. I avoided making peace signs or bunny ears at all on my trip just to be safe.

These next few are things I actually did learn before going on the trip because of the preliminary study abroad classes, but I thought they'd be helpful to include here as well.

8. Do NOT sit on tables

I'm kind of surprised this isn't more universal but do not put your butt on the same place you put your food. After all, you don't eat off of your toilet. Sitting on a table is seen as casual and harmless in the U.S. but extremely rude in New Zealand. If you must sit somewhere, the floor is as good a place as any.

9. It rains a lot

Especially in Auckland, the weather can change on a dime. Be ready to tolerate rain, or have rainy day alternative activities lined up. Keep in mind that you might reach the end of your rainy day alternatives before you reach the end of the rainy days. Again, be prepared to get wet. Pro tip for cameras: a baseball cap works really well to keep a DSLR relatively dry, or you could bring a towel to drape over it. Make sure all backpacks and camera bags are closed properly, and be prepared for the possibility that your lens will fog up.

10. Do not enter maraes without permission

Maraes are sacred to Maori culture. The carved meeting houses are often the entrances to a village. Marae are considered tapu, or sacred. You must be formally welcomed with a powhiri (side note: wh is pronounced as f; yes, words such as whakapapa [genaeology, though it's a bit more complex than that] sound funny) and you must take your shoes off. Photography and video are prohibited unless you are told otherwise. The powhiri might look amusing to you, but do not laugh or smile. It is serious and solemn for the Maori and there is a lot of meaning behind the seemingly goofy gestures.