Study Abroad Programs in New Zealand

I spent my semester abroad in Christchurch, New Zealand with Worldstrides, and it was an extraordinary experience from beginning to end. We began the program with a 4-day orientation in Queenstown where we got to meet all of the Worldstrides students in New Zealand and participate in special culturally immersive events, while also being supported in the transition abroad. Having the opportunity to befriend each other before everyone continued on to their respective cities (Christchurch, Auckland, Dunedin, and Wellington) is something that I came to realize was unique to Worldstrides. Many of us ended up visiting each other across the country throughout the semester, and I loved being able to show Christchurch to my friends from other cities. It definitely created a community from the start, and I knew wherever I traveled in New Zealand I could always reach out to a fellow Worldstrides student nearby! As for the city of Christchurch, I cannot recommend it enough. Living in the Uni accommodations created such a special environment that tight-knit friendships with students both in and out of the Worldstrides program. Another huge part of my Christchurch experience was our Resident Director, Gill. She was basically our parent away from home and she truly cared about every one of us–not to mention she was a blast to hang out with! She gave us a tour of the city and gave us all of her local knowledge. She checked in on us weekly and always went out of her way to be there when one of us needed some extra support. When I go back to New Zealand (because after this experience I most certainly will), Gill will be the first person I call. Academically, the University of Canterbury offered some of the most intellectually stimulating courses I’ve taken in my college career, and I was surprised by the relationships I was able to build with my professors and local classmates in such a short time. I ended up getting more involved at UC than at my home campus, and the clubs were so welcoming and open to study abroad students. The culture and environment of New Zealand truly encourages you to get outside, step out of your comfort zone, and become a part of something so much bigger than yourself. I’d do it again in a heartbeat!

The best course you could do I can’t recommend more if you’re looking for a high intensity thrilling experience this is definitely for you. I did the course in April 2025 and have loved skydiving ever since you learn everything and meet some of the best people along the way. If I had the choice I would do it again 100 times over.

I started the course in January 2022 and easily was able to work after the short course. Since then i’ve quickly upskilled to camera flying and instructoring and i couldnt of have this amazing job without completing course. And a bonus is tye amazing people you meet on the way!

I am from Scotland and I moved over to NZ to join the NZ skydiving school, I honestly cannot speak highly enough of my experience, the instructors are so professional and made me feel so safe throughout my experience. Everyone should skydive !!

I didn't know this frequency of fun was sustainable. I figured worst case scenario this course would just be a really expensive holiday but now I realize my whole life can be a holiday. Me and my wife left our country and our jobs to pursue this and it is the greatest decision we ever made.

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.

I went to UC for Forestry, as the school is well known for the program, and I am so glad I did. The classes were very interesting, and I felt completely welcomed as an international student, as many professors accommodated for lack of prior knowledge of the area by taking time with me to help me understand the land I was now living in. As for the program, I was able to meet some great people who have already moved into the status of life-long friends. I was able to go all around the South Island and see some of the most beautiful sights in the world, and some were already included in the program. Whether it was boating on the Milford Sound or sea-kayaking with dolphins and penguins, my experience was nothing less than extraordinary. Our advisor was super helpful and provided us with great support and recommendations as we went through the semester. I had the time of my life, and I would recommend it to anyone!

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.

At NMIT I had the opportunity to meet many students from all around the world. I made many great friends for a life time on the other side of the globe of my home country. It was definitively a once in a life time experience. Both Nelson and the rest of the country was also incredibly beautiful and likely had the most interesting nature I have ever seen.

Studying abroad in New Zealand was truly a life-changing experience. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the breathtaking beauty of the country, from its green hills to its crystal-clear lakes and majestic mountains. Exploring iconic locations, including some famous for being filming sites, added a extra touch to the journey. These natural wonders alone were enough to make the experience unforgettable, but my time there went far beyond sightseeing. One of the most valuable aspects of this experience was the opportunity to immerse myself in different cultures. I also learned a lot about myself, gaining a deeper understanding of my interest, adaptability, and curiosity. The academic environment was equally transformative. The teaching methods and perspectives at my host school broadened my vision, challenging me to think beyond the frameworks I had been accustomed to back home. Engaging with peers from various cultural and academic backgrounds helped me develop new ways of thinking and collaborating. Sharing adventures, celebrating milestones, and simply enjoying each other’s company created memories that are deeply etched in my heart. Whether it was hiking through stunning landscapes or playing some games, every moment felt special. I wholeheartedly recommend studying abroad in New Zealand to anyone considering it. It’s a chance to discover a stunningly beautiful country, embrace cultural diversity, and develop yourself. My time there has left an indelible mark on me, and I will always look back on it with immense gratitude and joy.

I had a great time in New Zealand!! Studying abroad in Christchurch was amazing and there are so many things to do within a short walk or bus ride. Absolutely amazing time hiking and taking advantage of the beautiful nature! Studying there was satisfying and I was able to learn so much!

I had an amazing time in Auckland! We did a lot of cool trips as a group and it was great to have such a fun group of students to experience this with! My accommodations were only 3 minutes away from my building and I had amazing roommates from around the world! Overall, I got to meet a lot of locals and travel around the country. If I ever needed help figuring out travel plans, my advisor was always available to offer some advice! I even had my wisdom teeth removed which was completely covered under the travel insurance! The trip was amazing and I hope to go back to New Zealand soon.

My semester abroad in Nelson, New Zealand, was an unforgettable experience. The people here are incredibly warm and welcoming. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with kindness, and the openness of the locals made me feel at home right away. At the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT), the atmosphere was supportive and encouraging, fostering both academic and personal growth. The natural beauty of New Zealand, however, left the deepest impression on me. Nelson, surrounded by breathtaking national parks, offered endless opportunities for exploration. Highlights included hiking in Abel Tasman National Park and visiting the Nelson Lakes, where I was struck by the serene landscapes. I was also lucky enough to see dolphins and penguins in the wild. This experience not only broadened my academic horizons but also strengthened my connection to nature. New Zealand is a place I will always cherish and want to revisit.

My name is Jesse, I am a Dutch student who has been lucky enough to study at NMIT in Nelson for six months. I will recommend to anyone who is thinking of studying there to go and do so. The people there are very friendly, the courses are well structured and you will be provided with all the necessary resources to pass every part of every course. A lot of activities are provided for students and you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Nelson. So, the only thing I have left to say is: TAKE ME BACK PLEASE.

My time in Auckland was sureal and it's something I will never forget. TEAN was very helpful in finding accommodations, and my RA was easy to talk to whenever I needed help. She planned fun excursions, and most of these excursions ended up being my favorite things during the entire semester. We went to Queenstown for orientation, and Cathedral Cove as the semester started to close. We also had lunch dates, coffee catch-ups, and comedy nights. My RA was also very straight forward in this being "an edu-cation experience as much as it is a va-cation experience" and that stuck with me. I may have focused more on my academics than having fun, but the classes I took genually interest me, so I was having fun while studying. Overall, this was a great experience, and I could not have done it without TEAN! Enjoy this picture I took with other study abroad students who were chosen to be apart of a promotional photoshoot for UOA (I'm the one in the green shirt with a snake).

For our program, we had an orientation held in Queenstown, New Zealand where we had an abundance of adventure activities and did a deep dive into the culture of Māori. TEAN helped each and every one of us grow accustomed to the country and helped us learn how to best navigate our study abroad experience. Throughout the semester we were able to take trips provided by the program with our very helpful Dunedin advisor Dee. Dee acted as our New Zealand mom and was there for us through thick and thin.

Going overseas to study in New Zealand was probably one of the best decisions of my life. Not only did I get to meet people from all over the world, but I was allowed to expand my worldview and learn what life looks like outside of the United States. I have so many incredible memories from this journey that pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to adapt to new surroundings - I wouldn't change anything about my time abroad! Anyone on the fence about studying abroad should choose not just for the time you travel the world, but for the time you get to find out who you are.

New Zealand honestly exceeded my expectations. The country in itself is BEAUTIFUL. Auckland is obviously more of a city, but it's on the water and has lots of parks so you still feel close to nature! Getting to other parts of the country is really simple, with plenty of cheap flights and busses. I really enjoyed the housing accommodation, living apartment style with two other flatmates. The University of Auckland campus is nice as well, very blended into the city but still with a campus feel. Auckland has a lot of good food with a wide variety. I really enjoyed how easily we could walk downtown and find new cafes and restaurants!

I felt so taken care of by TEAN and I had such a great time abroad! I met people that will be my lifelong friends through TEAN and I feel so lucky to have been a part of such an amazing program. The program directors were always available to talk and we met up quite often as a group, which I liked. New Zealand is amazing and I had the time of my life living there!

Studying abroad in Auckland allowed me to explore a new city and have easy access to nature and neighboring countries. My program allowed me to meet amazing people and my housing was great. I had the opportunity to live with two girls from New Zealand and form friendships with people from Auckland, other cities within New Zealand, and even with people from other countries. I got to experience life on the other side of the world and could have not imagined a better experience. I would highly recommend studying abroad in Auckland, New Zealand!