Study Abroad at AUT University in New Zealand

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.

Everyone told me coming here that New Zealanders are "out of this world nice" and super friendly. I didn't truly experience this until I was exploring the Bay of Islands and my friend and I were waiting for our fish n' chips (which is a whole other reason why Aotearoa is the best place on earth). A middle-aged man noticed our outlandish North American accents and started asking us questions: where we were from, why we were here, all the basics. Immediately I put my guard up and became skeptical as to why this strange man was interrogating two young adult women. Back home, people don't talk to one another unless they need something, and strangers making conversation for the sake of conversation is seen as "creepy," so I was inclined to be wary of the situation. It wasn't until this man so genuinely wished us the best on our studies, and the safest of travels back to Auckland that I realized his intentions were not malicious: he was simply being nice. It was so refreshing for a complete stranger to be so welcoming and friendly for no other reason other than he wanted to. His small action made my day and also reminded me how important it is to be kind to everyone no matter where you are in the world. New Zealand truly does breed a special kind of people and it is because of these warming hearts that this place has become my home.

Awesome uni, awesome location. Very good place to go to have a study abroad and collect experience. A lot of freedom in selecting courses so that you can create your personal timetable and travel around New Zealand. Interesting courses and nice people everywhere. No regret in doing this semester and would recommend it to EVERYONE. Accomodation provided right in the city so no car/bus/train needed to explore the CBD of Auckland. Connected to all other exchange friends so easy to find new friends/travel partner.

I didn't have any particular reason to come at AUT at first. I didn't know much about New Zealand and I just wanted to discover something new.

At the beginning it was a bit messy. I arrived to Auckland a bit late and i had to catch up with pretty much everything... but it was alright. Teachers, international managers, and pretty much everyone in new Zealand is kind and helpful. Other students and teachers are here to help you or just to have a nice talk about anything. Special mention to my math teacher who was trying to make us work together every week.

After a few months, i feel like AUT allow you to discover a different way of studying, while giving you the time to discover Auckland and New Zealand on your free time.

I still have one more week to go in Auckland and two more in New Zeland after that. And even if i still have to work for my finals, I'm a bit sad when I think that awesome journey will end soon. Starting another year in France in September is going to be a bit hard after a such amazing semester.

Thanks to AUT for all of that !

Kia Ora,

unfortunately, the semster is coming to an end right row. Once, I get used to the stress of studying, the fun of travelling and the beauty of New Zealand, I have to leave already. Too bad.
But I will keep this awesome adventure in my mind for a lifetime!
Therefore, I have to say "Thank you for a lifetime" to Kenneth, Sam and all the staff of AUT, who gave us a wide variaty of supports!
Furthermore, I am happy to have met the Maoris to get closer to their culture e.g. singing, eating (oh yes, I loved it) and of course, THE HAKA!
In my opinion, it´s a country of the infinite opportunities. Definitely, I was not able to see everthing of this winderful country. Maybe, I will come again......?
However, this semester was one of my most stressful I have had so far. The enormous range of assignments, presentations AND exams brought my capability to a maximum. I have really learned a lot and was able to further improve my English-skills.
Going back home to Germany is now to be considered as an double-edged sword. On the one hand, I am really looking forward coming home and see my family and my friends again... The other side I mentioned already.
Hopefully, I will come back to this wonderful country soon!
Thank You!