Why did you choose this program?
I chose AUT because I really wanted to come to Australia or New Zealand and since most people were going to Australia, I chose New Zealand. I also heard from several people that AUT was a really good university with a lot of international students.
Now I couldn't be more happy about my choice and I am so thankful for the opportunity to live, travel and study in New Zealand.
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
The organization that helped my apply to AUT, Sonor, helped me with the application and my student visa. They also helped me get in touch with other people going on the same program, which was very good.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
First of all: if you are not sure if you should go abroad or not - Do it, it's great! You won't regret it. Be open. Explore. Work hard during the week and then travel during weekends - try to see as much as possible!
You should also be prepared for a study structure that is very different from what you are used to. Personally I was used to the exam making up 100% of my grade, but at AUT there is a lot more assignments, a mid-term test and presentations.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
I have about three hours of classes each day from Monday to Thursday (I was lucky enough to get Fridays off). In addition to the 3 hours of lectures/workshops, I have to spend a few hours working on assessments and so on, so it's quite busy.
During weekends I try to explore New Zealand, go on road trips or find fun things to do in the city.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it and/or how did your views on the issue change?
It is really scary to get on a plane, leave everyone you know behind and start a new life in a city where you don't know anyone. Being homesick and not finding friends were probably my biggest fears.
Luckily so many others are feeling the exact same thing as you are, and it's so easy to make friends!
I would recommend living with other students and attending a lot of social events, especially in the beginning.
What is the best thing about studying abroad?
For me one of the coolest things is seeing my home country from a different perspective and I am able to appreciate it even more. I also feel so lucky to be able to meet people from all over the world (AUT is a really diverse university) and learn about many different cultures.