Program Reviews

Last year I studied abroad in New Zealand. When I now tell you about my experiences, I want to look away from all school stuff and rather focus on emotions because I’m just that kind of a person, sorry.

I read about an employer once who said that he would rather see people’s travel photos than their grades, and that is one of the loveliest things I have read. The grades we get on the exams are most of all a result of last-minute intense studying of things we will forget a year later anyway. But the things you learn from travelling and exploring the world are things you never forget.

I was terrified when I left. All of the new, weird and stressful things that happened was enough to freak me out, especially when I woke up after the first night in New Zealand and realised that my lung had collapsed. Oh well. Shit happens, but I survived, and I have become a braver person than I was before.

During the months I spent abroad I have created some of my best memories. I have gone kayaking, swum in glacier water and in hot springs, lived on a sheep farm and spent days and nights in the beautiful nature – waterfalls, turquoise water, mountains and long beaches. Last, but not least, I have met amazing people that have changed my life forever.

So what have I learned? Yes, I have learned something about phylogeny and legumes and invasion of pampas grass, but most importantly I have learned how to be a better human being. I don’t think I can ever be the same again, and I don’t want to either.

That’s why I recommend everyone to study abroad. Not for the academic’s sake, but for your own personal development.

I am studying "International Nature Conservation", a joint Masters program between the Lincoln University and the Georg-August-University in Göttingen (Germany). Even if the workload of our NZ semester was high, I learned a lot and gained a lot of knowledge that is still useful for my study program. The courses were very diverse and we got great help from the lecturers but also the Lincoln staff not involved in the courses. In addition, events for international students were organized which was definitely a great chance to get to know others. All in all, Lincoln was an amazing experience, both inside university but also during the free time.

I came to New Zealand in February and started a semester study. Before coming here, I never thought I would study abroad. All this is like a dream, magical and fortunate.
My studies and life at Lincoln University are very good. I really like the friends and teachers here. They always help me when I am in trouble. I also like the air here. The sky is blue like a lake. In addition, the delicious food is essential. I like the fruit, chocolate, dessert and so on.
Although it was time to return to China, this five-month experience made me forget all my life. I will always remember New Zealand.

Studying abroad at Lincoln University was a demanding but rewarding experience. The level of teaching and the level expected from the students was greater than I initially expected, but all went well in the end. If there would be something to improve, it would be the housing; I had to ask for a heater myself for example, something that should be available from the get-go. During my four and a half months here, I made so many new friends and enjoyed New Zealand to the fullest. There is so much to see here even though it is a smallish country! I would definitely recommend Lincoln University to anyone, regardless of their major. Loved it!

Although the town of Lincoln is quite small and we are least 20 min from the city, the quiet dairy farming surroundings has actually been a nice change. I have been able to see and do so much in New Zealand, especially on the south island since you are not that far away from some amazing places by car. The lecturers are all amazing and truly want you to succeed. The small class settings was a nice change from my Uni back home and it really allowed you to connect to the lecturer and have more of a discussion in class. This program has been truly life changing and I recommend it to anyone. Although the Uni is small compared to mine back home you get to connect with and have a deeper relationships with the students around you.

The overall experience is great! However, I highly recommend having access to a car and spending your weekends traveling around the country. Lincoln is a very small town with not a ton to do, besides drink. So get out and adventure, otherwise you will get bored and not enjoy it. I love the West Coast and Mount Aspiring National Park, but the entire country is gorgeous. Life is expensive here, so just be prepared for that. Coming here made me go outside my comfort zone, but trust me, it is worth it.

I loved studying aboard here at Lincoln because of the international student interaction. Didn’t have a lot of interactions with kiwis.
Got a good amount of school but had a solid 4 weeks during breaks. It was a great time to see the country side as well as travel with other internationals. New Zealand is a beautiful country and I’d highly recommend.
The education at Lincoln is unique and is not what you would expect.
Good times, great view and amazing people!

For me going to Lincoln University was a great experience becaus e of the unique atmosphere on Campus. It is all very small and communal which gave me the oppurtunity to meet many interesting peopl. I am sure I have made friends for life here and this would not have been as easy as it was if Lincoln were bigger. Then there is also the upside of the amazing location of Lincoln, right in the center of the South Island of New Zealand. This was a great starting point for many adventures exploring the beautifull country. My favourite of which was a trip to Milford Sound, the most beautiful place on earth I have seen so far.

My experience at Lincoln was second to none! Aside from being in the most beautiful country in the world, Lincoln is a phenomenal place to study. It a smaller school that provides a lot of one on one support for all students. The lecturers are friendly and helpful at all times. I would recommend this place to anyone that has any interest in the outdoors or agriculture. This experience has changed my way of thinking to be more relaxed and not worry or stress the small things in life. The kiwi culture is very friendly and laid back, which helps cope with the stress of studying abroad.

My time at Lincoln University has been everything I hoped it would be. New Zealand is beautiful and traveling the country is well worth your time. I came out 4 weeks prior to lectures starting and that was just enough time to see much of the North and South Islands. Once on campus, my experience with the staff was amazing, everybody is helpful and accommodating. My flat in Farm Road was sufficient, nothing fancy. My favorite part about living in Farm Road was the people. It is where I made a lot of my friends. Overall, the semester went by super fast and it will be a bittersweet goodbye when I head home. But I have made some amazing friends and it was an experience I will carry with me the rest of my life. Cheers