Look no further for undergraduate and graduate students who want to study abroad! The "Country of the Long White Cloud" offers more than just beautiful blue skies (and I'm not only talking about sheep).
New Zealand may be the world's youngest country and the last country found, but its culture extends back hundreds of years. The Maori, the first New Zealanders, came from Pacific islands. The first Europeans came around 800 years later and began a massive migration. New Zealand's population now is an intriguing mix of South Pacific islanders, Europeans, and a burgeoning Asian population. New Zealand is made up of two neighbouring islands and has one of the most stunning natural settings on the globe.
Although New Zealand is a long way from home, study abroad students always agree that the time spent on the plane is well worth it!
So you enjoy cities? Great. Or are you more of an outdoorsy, nature-loving person? It's not a problem. You'll find exactly what you're seeking for no matter where you study in New Zealand.
Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, is home to roughly one-third of the country's population (approximately 1.6 million people!) and is an exciting site for any study abroad adventure. Although not being the nation's capital, it is arguably its most international city, with wonderful cafes, entertainment, shopping centres, a magnificent port, and art galleries. Auckland is well-known for its good quality of life and the fact that it is built on a volcano! Students will find various professional prospects in this city, and it would be difficult to find a more excellent location for a study abroad experience in not only New Zealand, but around the world! If you believe this is the ideal city for you, study at
Wellington, on the other hand, acts as the country's cultural and political capital. Wellington, which is also constructed on a harbour and a mountainous terrain, was the first region where the Maori settled many years ago. With this in mind, the city provides visitors with a plethora of interesting historical landmarks to admire, in addition to an abundance of good museums, restaurants, cafes, and the like. Furthermore, no trip to New Zealand is complete without a stop at Te Papa, the country's national museum. Because Wellington is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, earthquakes are common in the city.
Dunedin, located in New Zealand's South Island, has been heavily affected by the Scotch who arrived and settled in the area in the 1800s. It's even been dubbed the "Edinburgh of New Zealand." Aside from its distinct appearance, Dunedin is an excellent destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Students can visit nearby forests, glaciers, beaches, and fascinating animal species such as albatross, sea lions, and the uncommon yellow-eyed penguins. BCA Study Abroad offers programmes in Dunedin, New Zealand for students interested in wildlife, conservation, biology, veterinary science, and other areas.
New Zealand is an excellent choice for students interested in a wide range of subjects—from ecology to business and everything in between, you will have no trouble choosing a programme that meets your academic objectives and interests. The University of Auckland, the University of Otago, Auckland University of Technology, and the University of Canterbury are among New Zealand's superb universities that consistently rank among the top in the world. Outside of the classroom, both islands have literally hundreds of different things to keep you active! Choose a programme that blends your want to learn about New Zealand with your desire to genuinely experience New Zealand.
Although English is the primary language of the country, some of the population speaks the old Maori language (which would be quite interesting to learn about; how many people can say they can speak a traditional, south-Pacific language?!). New Zealand is ideal for students who desire to broaden their experience beyond that of other English-speaking countries while also avoiding many things getting "lost" in translation.
Various study abroad programmes will offer students various housing alternatives. Depending on the type of foreign programme you want, you can choose one with housing conditions that enhance your whole experience. For example, if you need study space, we would not recommend living in a shared flat. There are numerous possibilities available to you, so do your homework and find a programme that gives just what you need.
The nicest aspect of studying abroad is that you will not be learning solely in the classroom. Several programmes will include a variety of sightseeing and activities to ensure that you see the best that a nation has to offer. The Education Abroad Network organises a range of activities and tours for their students, including short trips to neighbouring Fiji and the surrounding South Island (where Lord of the Rings was filmed!). The IFSA-Butler programme in New Zealand offers so many incredible built-in trips that it's difficult to pick just a couple to highlight in our guide!
Studying in New Zealand provides you with a first-rate academic education as well as practical, hands-on experience that encourages you to think critically. High-quality postsecondary education is provided across the country, and our universities are ranked in the top 100 in the world in 65 subjects in the 2020 QS World University Rankings.
You can begin your studies in the first semester (February-June) or the second semester (July-November), or you can participate in a short-term summer programme (June-July). Speak with a study abroad advisor at your US university to learn how to apply to study in New Zealand.