What does the future hold for AUT University - any exciting new programs to share?
Kenneth: AUT is New Zealand’s fastest growing university, so the future is very exciting! Some of its new buildings are as good as anything you’ll see around the world, and there are a lot more world class learning facilities about to be developed. Our new Sir Paul Reeves building is one example of an amazing building that incorporates a media centre, TV studios radio stations, performance studios, motion capture studios, lecture theaters, computer labs and study spaces.
Regarding courses, I personally think that students should try to fit in one of our fantastic Maori Culture classes if they can. We have interesting courses that deal with Maori Leadership, Hospitality, Culture and History. It’s the only place in the world where you can learn about this unique culture first hand!
What was your favorite traveling experience?
Kenneth: I’ve visited the US about 40 times so it’s a little bit of a blur. However, I really enjoy attending major sports events in America. Tailgating is always a bonus too. I’ll never forget visiting Times Square NY for the first time, or trying to run up the Red Rocks steps in Colorado. Some other highlights include being deep in snow in North Dakota or Minnesota, eating bbq in Kansas city and deep dish pizza in Chicago, exploring San Francisco’s Haight St, and seeing the Arch in St Louis!
What does your home-country's culture value that is taught in your program?
Kenneth: Study Abroad students immediately feel a sense of connection to New Zealand’s unique Maori culture. One of the key elements of Maori culture is the idea of “whanau” or family. Students have the opportunity to participate in AUT’s International Noho Marae at the start of semester. This weekend allows students to be immersed in the culture and to be formally welcomed into the whanau.
Students also learn a range of traditional Maori songs and dances which they perform as a full concert on the Saturday night.
The Noho Marae really connects the students to New Zealand long after they’ve left AUT too. Each year, Noho Marae reunions are held around the world annually, arranged by alumni of the program.
One of the great things about this weekend for AUT staff is that we get to learn about our students and where they come from.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
Kenneth: It’s been wonderful seeing how students grow in confidence and independence after spending a semester in Auckland. I constantly meet students who have never seen a mountain or the sea until they’ve arrived in New Zealand, and are amazed that they can go surfing and skiing in the same day here.
New Zealand has probably the most diverse landscape of any country in the world of its size, and students have the opportunity to explore an incredible range of beaches, peaks, fjords, glaciers, geothermal regions, forests, regional parks, rivers, lakes and so much more. It’s a place where students can really grow and develop and feel forever connected.