Program Reviews

It's unbelievable how the semester went by. It feels like I've just arrived at Auckland Airport, on the one hand. On the other hand, I've already experienced so many marvelous things during my stay. Going up to Cape Reinga and down southeast to Coromandel are definitely to of my highlight voyages so far. The good part about it is, there is still so much more to explore.

My studies at AUT have been really encouraging and added to my knowledge. I feel even more aware of myself now and I'm pleased to have learnt more about mindset and leadership, I'd rather say I've learnt more about life!

Thank you AUT for making this possible, my personal KiwiDream became true :)

When I first decided to that I wanted to study abroad, I originally wanted to go to London. Then Kenneth Holt came to my home university and gave a small presentation on AUT and Auckland and it absolutely sold me. Upon arriving at AUT, I was nervous but excited and the International staff were incredibly helpful with any questions and problems that I came across (Shivani especially is awesome!). Kenneth worked closely with me to sort out my class schedule when I was having problems with it and I am very happy with how it ended up! The International staff is also very good about creating events for international students to attend and recommending activities around the city and across the country. As for the classes themselves, I thought I was going to have a more difficult time adapting to them but the way the curriculum is set up actually feels almost easier than back at my home university. Again, the International staff did an excellent job of preparing me for what to expect and helping me out when I was confused about how the classes were set up. Being in Auckland also gave me a chance to easily explore several part of the North Island in just a few hours drive. I was able to hike the Tongariro Crossing, see the Hobbit movie set, go to four beaches in one day on the Coromandel Peninsula, and so many other things. The location of AUT in Auckland is also beneficial for just exploring the city. I was able to go to several festivals and explore the main downtown area after no more than a 30 minute walk. Overall, I'm incredibly glad that I chose Auckland and AUT for my study abroad experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone!

I really loved my exchange semester here. The staff was super helpful also before my arrival in NZ. The classes are very different compared to the teaching approach in Germany where we usually have lectures of 500 people and no direct contact with the professors. The lecturers here are incredibly student friendly and care a lot about our learning success. I met great people here and would recommend AUT to everybody. The location is directly in the heart of Auckland with great offers of sports activities.

I loved my exchange, the only thing I would do differently is not living at WSA because the apartment had a lot of troubles and was too expensive! I was happy that my lessons were only from Monday tot Wednesday so we could travel a lot. I've see also all of New Zealand. I have made a lot of friend while I was here, exchange students and New Zealander's. The classes I took were great! The teachers were reallly helpful and I have learned a lot here! My favourite lesson was the noho marae paper. It made me want te study anthropology after my bachelor.

I had an awesome time at AUT during the fall semester. I found the classes to be a bit easier than I expected, and I had incredible experiences. There are so many things to do right outside of Auckland, and there is always something going on in the city! I met many friends that I will keep for life, and really hope to visit New Zealand again some day! I would suggest this program to anyone looking for the ultimate adventure, hospitable people, and a fun environment!

Coming to New Zealand was the biggest adventure that I have taken thus far and what a perfect first adventure to have. I've traveled all over the North and South islands and have seen sights that others only dream to see. From being a small town girl born in Vermont, USA, to traveling alone around a brand new country, there was never any time where I ever felt unsafe. The people are beyond friendly and welcoming and I instantly felt right at home. The best advice that I can give anyone planning on traveling to New Zealand for a study abroad program is travel as much as you can, there are always affordable options to get around and see all that this beautiful country has to offer. Places that must be included in your time abroad include Queenstown and Arrowtown on the South Island as well as Raglan, The Coromandel , Cape Reinga and Waiheke Island all located on the North Island.

At AUT the professors are helpful and always open to suggestions or discussions. They also take their time for you, if you have problems. Most surprised me that some of them new even my name after two weeks. At my home university most professors would know my face, but probably not my name. The level of the courses is in my case quite different, but overall it is at a good level not too hard and not to easy.
Furthermore, it is quite easy to come into contact with my fellow students, who are Kiwis. They are all friendly and helpful. Especially the ASE (AUT Students Engineering society) are great people.
Another point I want to mention is that AUT organises a lot of events for students via GOTTOGETOUT and other stuff, like the Orientation week, which makes it easy to have a good start, when arriving here. Kenneth Holt, which was my contact before comming here, is also very helpful to organise your program.
The only thing I need to criticise, are the student accommodations. It is great to live with all the other students and WSA makes a lot of activities for students to come together. But considering what we pay for a room, stuff like the elevators should work. When I moved in, our apartment was dirty as well as my room. The laundry in WSA is not useful, if you have dirt on your stuff. It removes the smell, but not the dirt from hiking and other activities.

On the whole, I would recommend to study abroad at AUT.

My experience at AUT has been utterly fantastic. From the very first time I arrived and I was amazed at how the buildings looked in the city. My first experience was OWeek where AUT volunteers were really friendly and gave great information about the campus. I also got to stay at the WSA apartments. That is where I met people from all over the world. Exchange students to local Kiwis. I was amazed at how friendly everyone was and how willing they were for adventure. I met a really great group of friends stretching across Europe and North America. We all bonded over our love for New Zealand and our sense of adventure. During the week we stayed in Auckland and got to explore the beautiful places around such as Waiheke, Piha Beach, Mission Bay. Then on weekends, we got to see the wonderful places of New Zealand like the Coromandel, Cape Reigna, Bay of Islands. AUT gave me the chance to explore this wonderful country and meet great people along the way.

I wanted to travel in New Zealand for a few years and there is a partnership between my engineering school and AUT so I decided directly to come in Auckland for 6 months for my studies. Furthermore New Zealand has a great reputation in terms of ecology consequently for me it was perfect.

I traveled around New Zealand with my flat mates. Firstly we spent a few days in Coromandel, Rotorua and the North of the North island. During the mid break of two weeks we did a road trip of 10 days in the South Island and it was absolutely crazy : wonderful landscapes, penguins, sea lions, seals...

The lessons were very interesting in AUT and the teachers were very friendly. I recommend this university.

Though, I was hesitant to study abroad at first, I am beyond happy I made the decision study at AUT. Studying here at AUT was a life changing experience for me. I have met so many amazing people and made friendships that I know will last a lifetime. Accepting and including everyone is an important part of AUT. Just from walking around campus I can experience aspects of New Zealand's Māori culture. I even participated in Auckland's Pride Parade with AUT, which was definitely a highlight during my study abroad experience. Even though Auckland is over 8,000 miles away from home, it sure does feel like home to me now. Essentially, choosing to study at AUT was one of the best decisions I have made and for those who are contemplating whether to study at AUT or not, I would say 100% do it. It will be a decision you will never regret!