Location
  • New Zealand
    • Auckland
Length
12 - 52 weeks
Program Categories
Cultural Immersion Study Abroad
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships
Health & Safety

Program Details

Timeframe
Academic Year Spring
Housing
Host Family
Language
English

Pricing

Starting Price
10000
Apr 10, 2025
Jun 15, 2018
21 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

New Zealand's two islands are divided by Cook Strait. The North Island boasts volcanoes, hot springs, mud pools, geysers, and beaches, while the South Island has rugged Alpine mountains, glaciers, and access to activities like swimming with dolphins.

By living with a host family and attending a local school in New Zealand (Aotearoa), you’ll get to know why this country is celebrated for its friendliness and breathtaking natural beauty. Experience the casual Kiwi culture and pass your days with plenty of time outdoors, having a family barbecue or hiking to the nearest beach. You’ll be totally immersed in New Zealand society and learn all about its rich and varied culture. This isn’t just a year abroad; it’s an adventure you’ll never forget!

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Enjoy the outdoors with your host family on hikes, picnics, or even tending a garden!
  • Learn about Māori Culture including Kapa Haka (performing arts) and Te Reo Māori class (Māori language).
  • Participate in extracurriculars like agriculture, outdoor recreation, choir, drama club, and more!
  • Visit the beach to go surfing or whale watching!
  • Soak in the beautiful landscape while playing rugby, cricket, or soccer!

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 3 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Growth 4.35
  • Support 4.35
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 4.7
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Default avatar
Collin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Now I'm a Kiwi for life

My experience in New Zealand was amazing! I had a great host family in a really nice house. I love how everyone in the community welcomed me and frequently stopped to chat or see how u was doing. Their were soooo many opportunities to travel the country and it was the best experience of my life. Being relatively shy and unsocial, New Zealand was a big change, I learned to trust people and give every chance a fair go! My school was amazing and I will never forget my experience, I still am in contact with my friends, family, and some of my teachers in New Zealand!

What would you improve about this program?
As a whole AFS NZ could use some improvements in communication with the students as well as their organization of activities. There were some occasions when I needed to get in contact with an AFS leader and it took 4-5 attempts to contact them before I received a response. Overall the problems are minor to the exchange. New Zealanders are still the friendliest people I have ever met, and I would not trade my experience for the world.
144 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jenna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Funny Stories From My Time In New Zealand

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What would you improve about this program?
I appreciate the safety precautions that AFS takes to ensure the safety of its students, but I feel that some of its regulations regarding travel that does not involve the host family should be less strict, such as its regulations on having to notify the organization when they wish to stay at a friend's house or if they would like to go on a trip with friends. Let the students take responsibility in their own wellbeing as well.
143 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Camryn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

New Zealand, New Person

My experience abroad in New Zealand through AFS NZ was amazing and educational. I was paired with a lovely host family and I had a constant stream of support, meeting with an advisor at least once a month over coffee to discuss any issues, and attending weekly AFS Chapter meetings that allowed me to meet other students.

What would you improve about this program?
Try to guarantee high school credit for students when they return.
112 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers