USAC New Zealand: Auckland - Full Curriculum

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.