USAC New Zealand: Auckland - Full Curriculum

I had a good study abroad experience at Massey University in Palmerston North through USAC. There was not much support when I arrived from the international programs office, and turns out the classes that I had picked were not offered at the campus I was supposed to be at (Auckland), so I moved to Palmy first week of being there (4 hour flight southbound on the North Island). I did this alone, and figured it out without much support from USAC. Additionally, there were barely any students on campus as most kiwi students attended school online, which made for a very isolating experience.

My study abroad was great and I would definitely go back to New Zealand, just not to study abroad. The academics were horrible. It was also very very expensive and nobody would give me a job as an international student so I really struggled financially. The people are great though and so was the landscape. I was in Palmerston North my whole study abroad and it was very small, a big change from my big city life, but I would definitely come back to visit friends.

New Zealand was a blast. Being put in contract with all of the other students studying abroad at the university I attended was a game changer. We all met within the first week and that allowed us to create a big group of students from all around the world that could hang out and do activities. I made some really good friends in this group and we spent the whole semester abroad going and doing fun activities. New Zealand is not a huge country and I was able to explore a lot of different areas of the country. For spring break 9 of us rented camper vans and toured the whole south island for two weeks; this was definitely the best part of the semester. I visited many beautiful beaches and hiked multiple (small-ish) mountains. I will always miss the new zealand meat pies that were available at every corner store.

Months before departure, I was nervous about how I would make friends and make the most of my experience. When I arrived in New Zealand, I had no idea I would meet the people I would be lifelong friends with. I instantly clicked with the other students down my hall and in my classes and used all our free time to experience New Zealand as a group. I also met my best friend from this experience, he is a Kiwi and showed the foreigners how to have fun in the southern hemisphere.

New Zealand was fantastic, USAC was basically MIA as soon as we touched down in the country to be perfectly frank. Plus getting a visa was a headache. The people in charge of certain parts of my USAC experience changed like 3 times during my experience and it was all a little weird

At first, I was super scared to travel abroad. But with the help of my counselors, I was able to study in New Zealand and have a great time. I was also very nervous about making new friends abroad, since I had never gone out of the country, but there were plenty of events on campus that allowed me to make new friends that were both native to New Zealand and also other Study Abroad students. The location of the campus was great as I could make a best trip to the downtown area so I was able to explore it much of Auckland. It was the best thing I’ve ever done and I was very glad for the experience!

I would really highly recommend living in Auckland. Great contrast between the city life and opportunities, and being able to easily access the countryside. So many things to do in the area and day trips as well. The people are really nice. I would say I wish USAC had done a better job at immersing the international students together, because the campus is pretty small and I found it hard to meet people. I lived off campus which I did love, but did not interact with an American or international exchange student my entire time.

Living in New Zealand was the best decision I have ever made! From the people to the BEAUTIFUL views, this country has so much to offer. Studying at Massey was perfect, in that you aren't right in Auckland. This allowed myself to really enjoy my ventures into the city, but even more so enjoy the trips I chose to take outside of Auckland.