Study Abroad at AUT University in New Zealand

As an international exchange student from the United States, coming to New Zealand to study has been an amazing experience itself. But, being able to learn right in the city of Auckland, New Zealand's most populated city, has given me insight and a better understanding of the world around me. I was initially struck by the diversity of Auckland. There are so many cultural centers which allowed me to explore certain aspects of kiwi life.

AUT University is a very unique place to explore Māori culture; a distinctive part of New Zealand culture. The first weekend of school, I attend the Noho Marae weekend and learned songs, stories and met people from all over the world. This experience was special in the sense that it united many different cultures and united us as a family or "whanau". Through this weekend, I realized a lot of what makes New Zealand special. There is a strong community aspect associated with its people and a strong sense that they care for you and welcome you.

The classes at AUT University focus more on you being self-motivated as a student. Many of the grades for the courses are weighed in large chunks. For example, one assessment can we weighed 40 percent of your grade and the other 60 percent. This means throughout the semester you have to stay on top of your studies, but at the same time have the freedom to plan your schedule as you please. In this way, I think many of the papers teach you responsibility, more than anything else. Professors are there to act as guides, but the students do a large chunk of the work.

With that said, the best thing about studying abroad in New Zealand is seeing some of the most incredible sights. Outside of the city there are so many breathtaking landscapes and extreme things to do. Every weekend you can potentially plan a trip somewhere. Whether it's a hike or bungee jumping, these things are accessible by fairly cheap transportation options. It's just a matter of staying on top your studies.

The social scene at AUT University is only there if you want it to be there. Staying in your room all day will not allow you to meet new people. But, attending all of the available social events will probably introduce you to people and potentially friends. There aren't too many social events throughout the year, but there are a number in the beginning. So it is better to be social early on.

Living at the Wellesley Student Apartments has had its highs and lows. Since you live in a student housing situation, there will be administration that will deter you from doing certain things. But, there are still fun things to do like grocery bingo, where you have a chance to win free groceries. Also, it is such a luxury having your own room here. Living communally with four other flatmates is not bad at all, considering you have a shared kitchen, living room and bathrooms.

The first thing I have to say is that my time studying at AUT is not long enough! Auckland is a fantastic and vibrant city that is also a great base for travelling the rest of New Zealand as well. The facilities available to students at AUT are excellent and we are supported by a great team of helpful and knowledgable staff. You will make some of your best memories here and meet even better friends during your stay!

Auckland is a really nice place to study abroad in. AUT teachers (at least Psychology teachers) are really qualified and helpful with international students as well as the AUT team that helps you adapt.
Highly recommended to come with the highest budget possible as it is a really expensive country and the services (printing, food, library, books) is not cheap at all in AUT.
Thank you all for this nice time!!

It has been a really awesome experience so far at AUT. Noho Marae was memorable, I felt at home out there. Every student should do it to learn more about the Maori culture. The AUT's staff is thriven and thro, especially the International Student Centre, which helped me so much with my visa.

As soon as you enter the school you feel good. Orientation days are made in the beginning of the semester plus some specific activities (lunch, afterworks...) are organised for exchange students in order to meet new people in a fun way.
Teachers are really charming, helpful and comprehensive.

Studying at AUT has been an incredredible experience and one I won't forget. The support given to international students is amazing and it was great to meet other international students through events run by the AUT team! Auckland is a diverse, multi-cultural city and a great base for travelling around New Zealand. I've been studying design and the classes and lectures have been challenging and interesting and the tutors are really engaging, genuinely interested in your work and always give lots of helpful and encouraging feedback! Being on the other side of the world from family and friends isn't easy but everyone is so friendly it didn't take long to feel comfortable and at home here.
I've had an unforgettable time time and wouldn't hesitate to recommned AUT and New Zealand to anyone!
Kia Ora!!

Coming from a small town in the states, living in Auckland has been an amazing opportunity. It is an amazing city and I love being here. Auckland is very close to a lot of nature and it is very easy to get out of the city on trips. The study at AUT is good as well, they value creativity and individuality in classes and the teachers genuinely want to know what you think and about your ideas. As an engineer, coming into a design oriented school it was a bit weird to have that much leniency in assignments but that freedom really gives you room to do your best. I really love this university and city and I would encouraged anyone to study here.

The International Support of AUT is perfect! I had problems finding a flat to stay and AUT helped me with finding one. Furthermore the social activities that are organised by AUT are a great way to meet new people and make new friends! The use a Facebook group to stay in contact with all international people and this group is also used to plan trip or do other activities together. I have no complains and really enjoy my time in New Zealand!

AUT is a really great place to go abroad. New Zealand is an incredibly beautiful country and I'm so glad I got to come here. The classes at AUT aren't terribly difficult, and a majority of international students here have tons of free time to go explore. I highly recommend getting a group of friends together on the weekends to go out into the country to go see the natural wonders of this place. The WSA apartments are nice, and worked out really well for me. In addition you are right in the center of Auckland and can explore everything the big (ish) city has to offer!

AUT's been very welcoming from the start. I've had the chance of participating in the Noho Marae event, which brought me closer to the maori culture. Plus, I've also visited Tip Top's ice cream factory in one of my papers.. pretty cool!
The university also has many dynamic events that bring students together, specially from Ausm. There is free lunch once a week, for one :)
And, the international student support couldn't be better.. Kenneth and Kelli really did everything on making us feel comfortable and to be ready on our feet with our papers.

The aut is a great place to study, with many different, social and funny activities on campus. Every beginning of semester had a week to new students get a good experience and feel comfortable on the University.
The classes are good, with not too many hours and good lectures that make you understand the class and are always prepared to answer your questions. almost every lecturer was nice with me and asked where i came from and if i get any problem here. They always upload the content on aut online and it is perfect to study and assignment.
I really loved study and live here and I wish come back someday.

Living and studying in Auckland was a great time and experience for me. I love the city and how close everything is. Another great part about living in the city is how easy it is to get to other places to get escape the craziness of the city.

I will absolutely recommend going abroad and studying at AUT. The atmosphere is so welcoming and they really make you feel at home and welcome both socially and academically. I lived at the Wellesley Student Apartments with four other international students and will also recomend staying there. It was somewhat expensive but the experience, the location and the view is amazing. Also make sure to participate in the Noho Marae Weekend. It is a great experience that everyone should participate in.

The Study Abroad Program at AUT was just an amazing experience. I felt very welcome from the first day and the staff provided great support. The social events and especially the Noho Marae weekend offered at AUT were perfect opportunities to meet many new people and make a lot of friends. Besides, it was interesting to learn something about the Maori culture such as the Haka. Although I studied at the North Shore Campus, I wouldn't recommend living at the North Shore because public transportation to and from the city in the evenings or at weekends is not very good. So a flat in the city is more comfortable!
All in all, the Study Abroad experience was a good way to meet people and see an amazing country!! New Zealand offers so many beautiful places both on North and South Island!!

The program offered a great way to see a beautiful country and make awesome friends doing it! The program encouraged us to get out and experience new things and helped us meet new people to do it with! I loved my experience and would recommend it to anyone wanting to study abroad