How to Study Abroad in New Zealand Geography. New Zealand is made up of two main islands known as the North and South islands. The largest city, Auckland, is located at the tip of the North Island and the capital, Wellington, at the tip of the South Island. The climate across the island is generally mild but varies from place to place. People studying abroad in New Zealand love to take advantage of the great skiing in the mountains, the surfing opportunities along the coast, or both.
Food. While New Zealand isn’t known for a particularly distinctive cuisine, visitors should expect to find a few unique dishes. A student staple is the plethora of take-out fish-and-chips places found in almost every city. You might have the opportunity to try pavlova, a traditional meringue dessert topped with ripe strawberries, kiwi, and passionfruit. New Zealand is also known for its wonderful vineyards spread across the country.
Culture. The Maori people are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. They have their own language and a rich history, and anyone studying abroad in New Zealand will become familiar with this strong culture. When settlers from Europe arrived in the 17th century they greatly changed the Maori way of life. In 1840, Maori leaders signed the Treaty of Waitangi, which set agreements between the colonists and the tribes. However, land wars broke out when the treaty was ignored and tensions grew. Yet, over recent years Maori culture has regained strength. As a visitor, you may be lucky enough to be invited to a marae, or a location where a meeting house stands. A marae is where cultural events occur in Maori community life. It’s an honor to participate.
Kiwi Pride. A Kiwi is an affectionate nickname for a New Zealander. This nickname is an international term of pride and is derived from the kiwi bird that’s native to New Zealand. Kiwi birds are flightless, nocturnal creatures and are considered a national symbol of the country. Of course, there’s also no lack of the sweet and juicy kiwi fruit in the country; again, named after the famous bird.
Always An Adventure. The Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown, New Zealand’s official adventure capital, is the first commercial bungee jumping site the world. If it’s higher altitudes you crave, there’s no lack of skydiving adventures across the country. If plunging yourself from great heights isn’t your thing, New Zealand offers a myriad of adventure options from rafting, caving, canoeing, tramping, and skiing. If you’re studying abroad in New Zealand, you’re in for some sort of adrenaline rush.
Student Life. Most universities are on a semester system with the first semester running February to June and the second semester running July to November. There are many universities to can choose from. Head to the bottom of the South Island to Dunedin, home to the University of Otago, New Zealand’s first university and one of the world’s most southern universities. Or travel to the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, named one of Lonely Planet’s 10 top cities to travel to in 2013. On the North Island, you can study at Massey University, which holds the nation’s largest business college. Or head to the University of Auckland, the country’s largest university, with almost 40,000 students.
Sports. Popular sports in New Zealand parallel those in Great Britain. Rugby is the national sport and a source of great pride for the country. Studying abroad in New Zealand, you’re almost guaranteed to spend a few nights cheering on the national team, the All Blacks. Pickup games are common to see on campus and around the city. Do not miss the haka, a fierce Maori battle dance, which the All Blacks perform at the beginning of every game. The national summer sport of the country is cricket, and international matches are followed fairly closely.
New Zealand offers a truly unique place to study abroad. From your first day on the island you’ll feel right at home. As Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson noted, “New Zealand is not a small country, but a large village.” Head to New Zealand and learn firsthand what a magical place it is!