Study Abroad at AUT University in New Zealand

Studying at Auckland University of Technology has been an experience of a life time! I'm so happy that i decided to go, I wouldn't have had it any other way. To be honest the academics hasn't been what kept me challenged, the level isn't crazy high, which is good as you'll have more time to enjoy the social aspects of your stay.

I went to Bay of Islands with some of my international friends, and climbed Mount Maunganui, which was an amazing experience for me. The hike was nothing special, but the view was beautiful, and there was this guy who played an instrument I have never seen before. It was kind of a drum, but looked like a grill, haha! But made amazing sound. It was really a great to hear the music while you were catching your breath looking at the view.

My time at AUT was amazing! One of the best memories from my time at AUT was the Noho Marae international weekend! In one weekend we learned so much about the Màori culture, and how open and kind they are! After that weekend all of us international students got a really good relationship as well, the Noho Marae got us together, and inspired us to travel all around New Zealand and experience more memories for life!

We stayed up all night to watch the rugby World Cup final. the game was at 5am and we were very excited. We went to a big bar to watch the game and thankfully they won. When we left the bar the sun was out and it was so bright.

School - okay, but the teachers aren't that good at teaching, nor well qualified. hardly any of my "professors" are actually professors, or doctors. the facilities, like the gym, all cost money as well so be prepared for that.

Housing - this is the biggest disappointment at this school. the price is extremely ridiculous for what you get. expect the facilities to never work..this includes elevators, lights in the hallways, and washing/drying machines. shower temperatures change when sinks are turned on. no heating or air conditioner in the rooms. quiet time every night of the week at 22:30 and midnight on the weekends. security will literally remove you from the building or fine you for breaking this. expect to clean your room every 2 weeks for inspection or mom will ground you like when you were 10 years old. awesome housing events actually means eating a hotdog on white toast.

Country - the only reason to go here is for the people and the attractions. new zealanders are generally cool people, especially outside of auckland. the scenery is amazing. awesome hikes and trips to do every weekend. the night-life in auckland is cool. you meet a lot of good friends from all over the world.

AUT is a unique university that strives to foster and challenge each student. Every day was exciting because the teachers truly cared. AUT has rather cool facilities and equipment that helps you be prepared for the real world and post grad jobs. One thing that was exciting was its openness to Māori & Pacific culture. Learning about those cultures was a once in a lifetime experience.

AUT also has interesting activities aside from school. AUSM and WSA plan events year round that forces you to be social and meet new friends. There are so many clubs on campus you can be involved in, including Debate, a weekly student led magazine.

Most importantly, its location right near the city is prime for going home or going to lunch. Travel here isn't that bad.

When traveling abroad it makes you realize even the smallest things you did back home. You discuss topics that are unique to your country and not others and makes you realize why we don't do things a different way. The way other people describe there home environments makes you realize how different the world is. You're able to almost visualize what its like to live in the other countries that people you meet are from. Once you get to know people and make friends you make road trips which will be the best part of any study abroad. Exploring a country that no one is familiar with makes the trip that much more enjoyable. Plus not knowing what lies around the next corner only adds to the excitement of getting to the destination. But with all the trips and exploring you must make time to study as well. The best way I found was to get to know people in the class and form study groups. This makes the learning experience more interactive and in the process your able to learn more than reading the books yourself.

AUT is a modern university with a lot of facilities that can help you very good. The Noho Marae weekend was the best thing that I had experienced of this university. The university dedicated a lot of time and effort in that. It is great to see how the want to bring their culture over to other people.