The University of Auckland

Program Reviews

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Kylie
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

American Abroad

I came to study at UOA through another study abroad program back home in the States, and I'm so glad I came. I've studied abroad in the past, but New Zealand is so different than what I've experienced before! Auckland is simultaneously a bustling city and a lush, verdant center. I may not understand the bus system quite yet, but that won't stop me from exploring everything I can! Options for weekend trips are abundant and of course you can join one of the great clubs on campus. Auckland is a vibrant and incredibly diverse place, too, so you are guaranteed to find something you truly appreciate or connect to. I'm so grateful for this opportunity and I cannot wait for other's to take advantage of it. By the end, I'd say that we're all honorary kiwis!

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Paulina
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

So much to do, so little time!

Absolutely loved the diversity of weekend activities present at University of Auckland. Whether on-campus (fitness classes, clubs, expos, sooooo many yummy food trucks, Study Abroad program excursions/meetups) or off-campus (island visits, downtown Auckland, cute coffee shops for studying and hanging out on every corner practically, bars/clubs, weekend/day trips just a few hours away, cheap flights to the South Island, etc.), I found myself without very many free days. Of course, we have to squeeze in study time somewhere, but even then there were so many places I could study (i.e. library, coffee shops, my home, with friends, local library, etc.). Overall, great travel experience, and the Uni makes it very easy to go with or without them--your preference!

What would you improve about this program?
Personally speaking, I ended up in a less-than-ideal housing situation (as did a few friends of mine) so perhaps something could be done to remedy this i.e. asking students about cleanliness levels/matching students up rather than just making everything random. it's livable, just not ideal.
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Dara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Having a Great Time!

This University has given me a lot to choose from in terms of both academics and activities outside of class. There is always something enjoyable to do to get you out and about campus. The lecturers are reasonable and the course content is interesting. It provides an adequate academic challenge and many resources are available if you're struggling with your academics. Most things are posted on Canvas. Additionally, if you have any questions, you can usually email the lecturers or tutors about it and they'll answer your questions. Alternatively, you could stay after class one day to ask them in person. Tutorials are also extremely helpful in allowing people to clear up any concerns they have with the coursework or lectures. The University overall has a very good system going for it.

What was your funniest moment?
I think on the first day that it rained, watching people slip and fall (including myself) was pretty funny.
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Nichole
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Very good!!

U of A is a great university!! I feel challenged by my classes and know that i can reach out for help!! Really great university! I’m glad I chose here to study abroad :) I was really afraid at first of being in new courses away from home but I of A really made me feel at home. Everyone is very nice and happy to help. I wish I knew more about the resources given to me as a student, I feel like I and not using all that I can to be the best student I can be. I chose this program to study abroad because it is so far from home. I am from the states and so it is a long way to New Zealand. I knew that the teaching styles would be very different and foreign as well so I prepared myself for that but it was very easy to adjust to and the fact that the lectures are recorded is very helpful.

What would you improve about this program?
I would improve the exposure to the resources offered to students.
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Contessa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester Abroad

Coming to the University of Auckland was one of the best decisions I've ever made! It is conveniently located, making it easy to get to almost any where for adventures. Some of my favorite things I've gotten to do is take the ferry to many different islands, enjoyed the excitement of Queen Street, and attended events at Eden Park! The transiting systems here are so easy to use, I was traveling around every weekend! The amount of memories and friends that I have made while here warms my heart and I am so glad I picked New Zealand to experience this abroad semester in. Everywhere I went embraced adventure and travel. It is honestly one of the best things a person can do in their life. Even some classes go on island field trips! The professors here are amazing and supportive. They want to see you succeed in every way, which is really great.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The amount of hiking I have done while here has been crazy! There are so many beautiful destination to see in New Zealand, especially around the Auckland area. All the views that I have seen have lefted me in awe.
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Miranda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fantastic Study Abroad

Study Abroad at the University of Auckland is a fantastic opportunity! Going into my first semester, everyone has been so helpful and encouraging, especially assisting to aid my nervousness in starting something new so far from home. From the food to the scenery, Auckland is definitely a wonderful place to be.
The various clubs/programs for Study Abroad students is also very helpful in getting yourself adjusted to a new place, meeting new people, and planning a lot of trips to various places around the country! The opportunities offered in these programs apply towards a lot of different interests so you are bound to find something that you enjoy!
To anyone considering the University of Auckland for Study Abroad/Exchange it is a wonderful choice!!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
If you have the opportunity to do something you want to do, definitely take it!
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Naomi
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Abroad in New Zealand.

Studying abroad in Auckland truly is an amazing experience. There is such different culture here, especially with the integration and respect of the indigenous peoples. Everyone is so kind here, and it has been an adventure getting to understand the culture and (try) to integrate! New Zealand itself is beautiful and super fun. While I did not participate as much in the study abroad mixers and events, I found myself in some pretty cool destinations, such as Raglan and Rotorua, and those are also epic places to meet people, and stay in unique, safe hostels! Everyone here is so connected to their physical environment, because of the plentiful things to do just a few kilometers away from you. Moreover, the overall processes associated with normal university and living things are so much cheaper and easier than the U.S., because everyone is here to help you! This country is amazing!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I went to Rotorua, and saw so many geothermal vents! I visited Wai-O-Tapu and it just wow-ed me. There are so many geological sites that you cannot find anywhere else around the world, making studying abroad here a once in a lifetime experience!
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Ajda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Go to New Zealand!

I currently have two months left on my 12-months-long exchange to the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and I am really sad my time here is coming to an end! I had so much fun in the last 10 months, I met so many amazing new people, and travelled around New Zealand, Australia and Cook Islands. I went out of my comfort zone so many times it feels like my comfort zone expanded by a million times. I took a Maori culture course on Kapa Haka which is so much fun, and I couldn't do that anywhere else. I live in such a cool student accommodation with 30 other like-minded people, we hang out all the time, this weekend we even filmed a movie for a film festival! Honestly, going to New Zealand for my year abroad was the best decision I have ever made!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would not waste any day I had in this beautiful country!
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David
4/5
No, I don't recommend this program

my experience abroad

I had done a little research before attending UoA. It was one of the few places of my options for the Exercise Science program. Coming from a big city in the states, after seeing the population of 1.4 million which is a dramatic difference than from the city in the states where I am from 3.2 million just for the metro area alone. I wan't expecting the University to be so congested. I'd compare it to the streets of downtown LA or the streets of New York. Students like to walk 3 or 4 people deep on the sidewalks which makes it even more of a task to navigate from class to class. It is bad enough the sidewalks are half size of the city I am from. The one department that was very useful for me was the disabilities support. I was able to get the accommodations I needed for my classes.

What would you improve about this program?
The local students tend to show a bit of disrespect to the instructors as a person that had to pay double the amount to attend classes it is a bit of a distraction. Not mentioning programs new international students may join but then have many obstacles or to be told it isn't offered for that semester.
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Michael
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience at Auckland Uni

The University of Auckland is a school with quality academics and plenty of clubs to join. It’s a great place to go if you want to explore New Zealand on holidays and weekends as well. During my stay here (so far), I have gotten to visit the South Island for 9 days, visit the Northland for four days, I went to the top of Mt. Eden, I have done the Tongariro crossing, and I’ve gone to several places in Auckland within walking distance. I have found other students to go on trips with quite easily through Facebook groups and university clubs.
The professors that I’ve had are very knowledgeable and good at teaching. Some of my courses have been difficult, but the content has been interesting in all of them. I have no regrets studying abroad at the University of Auckland!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would become an active member in some of the clubs I was interested in earlier on in the semester.