IFSA University of Auckland Partnership

My time at the University of Auckland was the perfect blend of adventure and university life for me. The university itself had an such an array of classes that it wasn't difficult to find ones that both covered requirements for my school back home, but also offered something I couldn't get anywhere else. I was able to continue my English literature degree while also learning the native language of New Zealand, Te Reo Maōri. The classes themselves were not as strenuous as the ones I was use to at home, which allowed me to explore the city and country in my free time. On weekends, I went on trips with friends to nearby beaches (it was spring when I arrived, so the summer crowd hadn't taken over yet) or hiked up a volcanoe after a ferry ride across the bay. If I wanted to adventure in the city, there was always an exciting event to take part of. The most memorable activities in the heart of the city were the Asian Market and the Turama Festival of Lights, both unique to the city of Auckland. IFSA makes it their priority to introduce students to the native culture as well as the modern one. During orientation, my program stayed a night in a Maōri marae and became immediately immersed in the native culture, taking part in ancient traditions and learning of the legends that impacted generations of Maōri. My favorite memories were of exploring the country of New Zealand. IFSA encourages exploration and independence, but also makes certain that students know how to stay safe. There was always somebody on call in case trouble popped up. Although the city is spectacular, I don't recommend spending all of your time there. Right outside your door there are mountains and volcanos and thick forests and black beaches and huge rock formations waiting to be explored. It doesn't surprise me one bit that New Zealand became the inspiration for Middle Earth. Everywhere I went the country took my breath away. So if you go to New Zealand, find a group of friends and get outside. Take advantage of the adventures that await you.

My first experience traveling outside of the United States was when I traveled to New Zealand for a semester study abroad. The IFSA-Butler program was exceptional and I could not have been happier with how my experience panned out. The IFSA-Butler staff was approachable and extremely helpful both before departure and while in New Zealand. A range of questions came up as I was preparing to study abroad, such as what classes should I take, where will I live, how will I communicate with friends and family back home, and what should I pack. It was really convenient to have IFSA support me through this process and answer all my questions. IFSA provided us with housing through the school where I got to live with another study abroad student from Italy and a student from New Zealand! Plus, housing was only a five minute walk from campus which was a huge perk. In regards to academics, the University of Auckland is a top notch university. All of my classes had 100+ students, but each class also had tutorial sessions each week where you were put in smaller groups (10-20 people) to discuss class topics in more of a discussion based setting. While abroad, IFSA provided me with resources on where to stay, must-do experiences, and knowledge on Maori culture. IFSA also had countless excursions planned for those on the program. Auckland truly was an amazing place to live and New Zealand provided endless opportunities for outdoor activities and jaw dropping landscape photography!

I could not be more grateful for my semester abroad with IFSA at the University of Auckland. I chose IFSA because the flexibility of the course selections allowed me to study both dance and philosophy (with courses going towards both my Dance and Moral Psychology majors!). In addition, with guidance from both the IFSA staff and the UoA staff, I had the invaluable opportunity to intern for Dance and Arts Therapy New Zealand, gaining hands-on experience in a field of interest for me. This internship was truly one of the highlights of my experience. I was also given the incredible opportunity to perform and choreograph with UoA's dance studies students. In addition, New Zealand is breathtakingly beautiful, and the IFSA-sponsored orientation and trips allowed us to explore while also immersing us in and allowing us to learn about their culture. Our on-site IFSA program advisor was also amazing, and truly cared about each student!