I am from Oregon State University, studying a BS in Agriculture and Food Business Management. I spent my last term as an undergraduate at LU through a student exchange program. I took Wine 201, Sheep production, Amenity Horticulture, and Maori & Indigenous planning. I stayed the first half of the term in Farm Town Flats & the second half renting off-campus nearby. Let me tell you, this was an absolutely incredible experience.
As someone who had never traveled outside the US before, I wanted to study abroad, but I was nervous. NZ has such as safe, calming, and kind atmosphere, it was as though I was back home in Oregon with a sprinkle of changes. Lincoln was a sweet little farming town like the one I grew up in, and the people were very friendly. The relationships I formed are exactly what made my entire experience this memorable.
If you have the opportunity to go abroad, just do it!
What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Not only did I become immersed in the calm and relaxed NZ lifestyle, but I also became surrounded by cultures from all over the world. I’m certain that within my first few days in NZ, I met more people from other countries than I had in my entire life put together. I made friends from Australia, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Laos, NZ, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Spain, Thailand, Timor-Leste - and that isn’t even the entire list!
Most surprising thing: My partner of 7 years quit their job, flew here, and surprised me during mid-semester break to propose!! :)
Pros
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LU enrolls around 7,000 students, with nearly 50% of them being international
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well-established program, staff & students very friendly
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There was a heavy emphasis on getting out of the classroom and into a physical learning environment.
Cons
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Food is quite expensive.
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Some of the living quarters are quite old.
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Small campus & farm town <-- I personally see this as a big pro, but city-folk might not. It is about 30min drive (1 hour by bus) from big city
