Study Abroad at AUT University in New Zealand

AUT and New Zealand have been amazing. The last four and a half months have been unreal. The semester started off a little rough with arriving in Auckland and trying to find my way around but it got easier the longer I've been here. AUT was a lot of fun. They started off the semester with an international party for the international students and it was a great way to meet new people. I met people from all over the world and I fully intend to keep in touch with everyone. AUT did an amazing job welcoming the international students and it helped a lot. I loved most of my courses. Te Ara Pou Leadership and Food and the Senses were the highlight of the semester. I learned so much and I actually enjoyed them.

New Zealand as a whole has been an amazing experience. I wasn't sure what to expect but it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. There's so many things to do. Bungee jumping, parasailing, abseiling, climbing through the coolest caves, gorgeous beaches, awesome places to take a road trip to, and so much more. I've done things I never thought I ever do. I've learned so much from this experience. I highly recommend studying at AUT and experiencing Auckland and New Zealand.

Traveling quite literally AROUND THE WORLD to New Zealand was a trip that was so worth it. Auckland is a great city with plenty of things to do and tons of good places to eat. The people are so nice compared to what I'm used to, and I've noticed strangers are always looking to help you or spark up a conversation. AUT is a very easy going school, and I never felt stressed to the point where I thought I would lose my mind. The way classes are scheduled is very convenient, and there are also lots of breaks that international students can utilize for traveling. The accommodation was also in a good area, close to town and the grocery stores. I also liked how I was put into a flat with international and kiwi students; it helped me make friends outside of my study abroad program.

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.