Program Reviews

I am still participating in my exchange program, but I am enjoying it. As a first year, first semester student, I really feel that I am being challenged and am becoming a better student through this experience. I feel that I am becoming a more independent and critically thinking person. Studying abroad makes one become creative and resourceful in problem solving. I have been able to get to know many locals in Auckland which has enhanced my experience here.

I had a lot of fun traveling all over to places I normally wouldn’t be able to get to. I met so many interesting people that had unique stories to tell. Each and every person I met made my experience that much better. The classes and school culture are definitely something that you may need to adjust to, but the teachers and staff are there to support you. I got to see the South Island; it was amazing. The entire country is so beautiful and very accessible. There is something here for everyone. The mountains and water and all other sorts of outdoor activities are relatively close to each other, allowing time to do everything!

Its going to be a lot different than you expect it to be. You might go through moments of homesickness or even culture shock(depending on where you come from), but it would not last for too long. The key is to be open to the new culture, people and experiences. Also remember you're studying abroad(emphasis on the studying), so choose your classes wisely and plan your time as well. I would not advise taking any upper level classes, except you absolutely need to, the difference in educational systems can totally throw you off your game.
Overall, it is an amazing experience.

There isn't a better country to go in exchange to. Really excited for all the adventures I'm doing. The university is very beautiful, even if i don't like the tipe of lectures. It depends on your preferences. You have a lot of possibility of travel, go kayaking, skidiving, bungee,... Yiu can go over your limits and enjoy your life. The support in the university is awsome, for example I had some problem with my visa and the university solved the problem for me.

I have been studying in Auckland for just over 2 months on exchange from my home uni in the UK. I study International Relations and it's been really insightful studying global politics from the other side of the world, with more focus on Asia and Oceania than I would get in the UK. I've enjoyed taking subjects that I wouldn't have gotten to take at home, such as Maori studies, which has really helped me understand the NZ culture and history. I love the social scene and playing rugby out here has been so much fun; everyone is really friendly and getting to see NZ-Australia last month was a total highlight. I've also loved being able to travel beyond Auckland when my work is done and have been to Bay of Islands, Great Barrier Islands, the Coromandel and Cape Reinga which were all amazing. I would definitely recommend the programme to anyone thinking of doing an exchange!

I am very happy I made the decision to come to University of Auckland for my year abroad! It is an amazing place full of interesting people of various backgrounds and located in such a beautiful country! I love exploring New Zealand on the weekends and during breaks and cannot wait to see more. I have never been in this part of the world before and I am amazed by its interesting culture and the relaxed vibe. When you are on your exchange, you can really focus more on what you like to do and growing as a person, and Auckland is a great place for that. I've met some incredible people in the two months that have passed and can't wait for more adventures!

I am halfway through my semester abroad at the University of Auckland and I have loved every minute of it. I am from California and it has been easy to communicate with both counselors back home and here. Adjusting was not as hard as I thought and both my home university promoted and encouraged clubs to get better adjusted. I lived in the student accommodations which I really recommend. I met people from all over the world and made incredible friendships. I have too many memories to choose a favorite, but University of Auckland does not disappoint, in my opinion.

Study here is quite fun. But the interaction between students can be improved. Maybe because of the cultural influence, we cannot get more foreign friends. And please remind us of taking our passport whenever going out. Because one time I was refused to get into the club to join the party held by Student Union. It makes me embarrassed. One thing excellent is that we watched the Rugby match with other international students. I appreciate this opportunity to get to know the game for I haven't ever touch this field.

There is a diversity of stories happening everyday every corner. Thanks for people who ever helped me to adapt to the unfamiliar situation. Thanks for myself choosing University of Auckland to spend my last year. Hope to have a good time on the following days. And I am also considering whether continuing to study further in University of Auckland. I have a soft sport for people here.............

Studying at the UofA has been great in the sense that classes are still challenging yet don't pile on busy work for students. This then allows you to travel for the weekend aside from the occasional paper to write or test to take come Monday. The campus is very safe and nicely situated within the city. Just a short walk to Queens Street, or many other of the side streets, it's easy to do something between a class break!