Program Reviews

First of all, I have had an interesting journey here in Auckland. When I first came here, I had no idea that it would be so multicultural. Especially in AUT you could see multiple different cultures represented. I consider this a big pro as it reflects how it is in work life. Furthermore, when it comes to my studies I found my business papers challenging enough. There were many group projects and assignments which I found good as I got the opportunity to apply my knowledge in real life cases. I picked different papers than what I have studied earlier and found them very interesting and useful.

The student life was not as active as in Finland which I had known beforehand, but I did not consider this an issue as I could still hang out with my friends and explore Auckland. Many of my friends have told me that usually you do not spend so much time with the local students but tend to hang out with other exchange students. However, I was able to make many Kiwi friends which I find really nice. Living in the student apartment helped me to gain friends from both Kiwi and foreign background.

Last, I would like to thank the international student association for helping with all kinds of issues and being active when it comes to our well-being. In overall, I really enjoyed my exchange and would recommend New Zealand and AUT for any international student wondering where to head.

Kind regards,
Aarne

My exchange in AUT was one of the best experiences I have ever had! From the first orientation day onward, I felt I had come to a great place and university. I was active, got to know people and spend a lot of time getting to know other international students. Studying here has given me a new perspective for my studies, wide range of skills and heaps of friends all over the world. Especially events such as the UV treasure hunt, different pub quizzes, parties at Father Ted's and Noho Marae have been unforgettable moments. I also liked the way of teaching in AUT: the interaction between lecturers and students is good, and teaching methods allow students to use their creativity. I was studying marketing in AUT's new major MARS which was launched this year, and I felt the new structure suited me well because we didn't have any exams.

I'm not good with words but New Zealand was the adventure of a lifetime. I loved the staff at my university and the people I met there are amazing. I am returning to my home country with crazy stories and life-long friends.

The staff made me feel like home and I felt that if I needed anything they would lay down what they were doing and help. They also made events that involved the exchange students and made us feel comfortable in our new surroundings.

My experience at AUT was unforgettable! I met so many new life long friends and learned so much about the culture in New Zealand. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the International NOHO Marae weekend, where I learned all about the culture. I got to learn about the carvings, people, games, songs, and dances. I even got to perform a dance! Being at this weekend, I felt right at home being in a whole new country. It was such a touching experience and I will never forget it. Being at AUT, I felt supported and knew that I would be safe being so far away from home. Kenneth Holt helped me with all the paperwork and made me feel at home. I was able to go to him for anything and he helped me get all my classes together! He made studying abroad so much easier and I am forever grateful!! AUT was amazing and I will take all these memories with me forever. I can't wait to come back!

Studying abroad this semester at AUT in New Zealand has been an incredible experience! I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to come to this beautiful country filled with such compassionate people. I was a little nervous traveling so far from home for such a long period of time, but right way I felt welcomed into the AUT community. The faculty put in extra effort to make all the international students feel as though we belong here. One of my favorite parts about AUT was the International Student Noho Marae Weekend where students from all over the world were immersed into the Maori culture and learned the true meaning of whānau. Not only was the weekend full of fun, culture, and kindness, but it also provided me with a unique outlook on New Zealand, which allowed me to truly appreciate the significance of New Zealand for the Maori people during all my travels. I have met some wonderful people here and felt nothing but supported my entire time, so thank you AUT for allowing me to have an amazing five months in this spectacular country! I will be back!

AUT is really a great choice for study abroad. The location, the uni system and the accommodation are all excellent. Besides, Auckland is a comfortable city to live in compare with other cities in NZ and it is also relatively safe compared with other countries. People here are nice and willing to help, making it easy to get used to. The best thing for me is that you can experience not just one but many cultures in one city. NZ wasn't my first choice , but it turned out I'm very glad that I came. It gave me more than I expected.

This was the most amazing experience and the best decision I have ever made. NZ is so beautiful as are kiwis. I got to travel and see the world while learning a lot in my program. I spent every other weekend exploring and traveling. NZ has a unique culture which should be respected and I am so honored that I got to experience it. I made a family in studio (I study sculpture) and a family of international students. I never want to leave, but I guess I have to. I'll be back though.

My experience in New Zealand, Auckland and AUT has been even more mind blowing than what I expected. It's hard no name the best experience during my stay in New Zealand but the overall atmosphere and the good spirit between the exchange students and the Kiwis was a major factor in making my exchange so special.

I enjoyed especially both my Maori papers - Te Ara Pou -leadership and International Noho Marae, since they both offered an amazing opportunity to get to know the original Maori culture and to have some self-reflection on my own culture, personality and habits at the same time. International students were well taken into consideration and used as original sources of information when talking about international matters in the paper of International Human Resource Management.

Studying in AUT has been interesting but also challenging from time to time. However, we still have had the time to explore beautiful places, nature and landscape in both North and South Island of New Zealand, as well as have a good time with all the new people we got to know on the way.

As I'm sure everyone knows, coming to New Zealand form anywhere else in the world is quite the trek. You're bound to cross at least one ocean and probably half of another continent on the way. It's far, far away. When I chose to head to the other side of the world (aka Auckland) for my semester exchange I didn't really know what to expect other than that I would probably talk about Lord of the Rings once or twice and would most likely see some mountains. Now I can tell you that 1) yes, those things did happen and 2) New Zealand, Auckland and AUT have been the absolute perfect fit. New Zealand as a whole is stunningly raw and incredibly beautiful. You know those amazing photos of mountains, valleys, sunsets and forests you've seen? It actually all looks like that in real life. It is a country filled with history and culture, and is perfect for roadtrip after roadtrip after roadtrip. Auckland is the perfect combination of city and nature, I've spent countless mornings in coffee shops and afternoons hiking volcanos and laying on beaches. The food and nightlife options in the city are endless and you can always find a great market to check out on the weekend. The AUT campus is beautiful and homey, the international staff and professors are helpful and accessible, and the campus accommodations are clean, filled with friendly Kiwis and Internationals and is in such a convenient location. So yes, New Zealand is far, far away. But I can promise that it is worth every second of the middle seat on your 15 hour flight, every second of jet lag, every second of potential home sickness, and every second of time difference difficulties. New Zealand, Auckland and AUT have changed my world. The adventure, hospitality and generosity of this country are real, honest and authentic. You won't experience another place like it.

I studied graphic design for a semester and loved it! The projects gave me lots of freedom to design however I liked and make things I enjoyed and am very proud of. I never felt unsafe in Auckland or anywhere around AUT. Plenty of breaks in the semester to allow travel all over New Zealand. The student accommodations weren't very good, but were worth it to meet other students and not struggle finding housing in Auckland.