Hosted by Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Study Abroad at AUT University in New Zealand

Name: Study Abroad at AUT University in New Zealand
Brand: Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
SKU: 51001
Rating: 4.77 (231 reviews)

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4.77 Rating

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Location

New Zealand
- Auckland

Term

Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer

Subject Areas

Accounting Architecture Arts Business Communications Computer Science Creative Writing Culinary Arts Cultural Studies Design Education Engineering Finance Global Studies Health Sciences Hospitality International Business Law Life Sciences Linguistics Māori Studies Marketing Mathematics Media Relations Nursing Performing Arts Philosophy Physical Therapy Psychology Social Sciences Sports Science Tourism Visual Arts +23

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Program Details

Program Type

Direct Enrollment

Degree Level

Bachelors

Housing

Apartment

Language

English

Last Updated: Dec 23, 2019

Last Reviewed: Oct 03, 2019

Wish List

73 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

AUT University is the second largest University in New Zealand and is among the fastest growing. 4,000 international students from 85+ countries flock to campus each year and there are three unique campuses all within Auckland. AUT is accredited by the New Zealand government and offers personal and interactive classroom settings. AUT also boasts the highest graduate employment rate out of all the universities in New Zealand. Come check it out for yourself!

AUT accepts international students twice per year: in February and July. You may apply as a College Freshman, but at the time of application, you must have a high school diploma and a 1500 SAT score. Alternatively, Sophomores and above are welcome to apply for an exchange.

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Program Reviews

4.77 Rating

based on 231 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Study

5 rating 78.79%
4 rating 19.91%
3 rating 1.3%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Academics 3.8
Support 4.5
Fun 4.1
Housing 4.5
Safety 4.85

Good for Adventure travelers, Solo Travelers, Photographers

Showing 185 - 192 of 231 reviews

I came all the way from Brazil, crossing half of the globe to experience totally different situations and knowing that I'd go back home with other perceptions about life. Talking to people that were raised in another context, with distinct opinions for everything. It's the first country I've traveled abroad and it's amazing to see how fast it is to adapt to other cultures and routines, in spite of all the challenges. All the potential obstacles are worth facing, as you improve in every aspect.

What would you improve about this program?

More help could be offered to students who are still having trouble with adaptation, not just if it's asked. Sometimes you have to learn very fast not to feel lost in this new life.

Response from Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Hi Guilherme, thanks so much for your lovely comments. You're right, there's always more that can be done to help new students adapt, we'll definitely follow that up.

By AUT University on May 18, 2015

Studying abroad at AUT has been a blast. I have not found my work overly challenging, but that has left me with extra time to experience the place, the people, and the scenery. I have grown more this semester than I have in my entire college career (2.5 years) beforehand.

The staff have been kind and helpful during the entire process, I have not had any issues with them.

What would you improve about this program?

It doesn't need much improvement. I participated in the work coop, and that program needs a bit of refining in terms of organization and student-workplace relations, but overall it was a great experience.

Response from Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Hi Cody, Thanks so much for your wonderful comments, it's great that you enjoyed your co-op experience! All the best for the rest of your degree back in Vermont!

By AUT University on May 18, 2015

Being an exchange student in the Design programme at AUT has been the most exciting adventure and I enjoyed every second of it.
AUT offers a lot of well equipped facilities, great architecture and a lot of comfy areas to meet fellow students for working, learning or simply hanging out. Staff is super friendly and there are a lot of people you can go to if you have any kind of problems. AuSM (AUT's Student Movement) constantly organizes a lot of fun events, free food and assistance with any issue. If you get the chance, I highly recommend participating in the international Noho Marae Weekend! It was one of my highlights of the whole stay here in beautiful New Zealand. You will eat until you drop, meet a lot of new (lifelong) friends and dance and sing Maori style ;-)
Auckland itself has a lot of events going on, but if you ever want to get out of the city, just take a bus/car and explore the stunning nature New Zealand has to offer. There is a heck of a lot of mindblowing things to experience and I guarantee you will never be bored here in Auckland/Aotearoa.

Response from Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Hi Kathrin, thanks so much for your wonderful comments, it's great that you did the Noho Marae weekend too, that's definitely a highlight!

By AUT University on May 18, 2015

For me it was very important to do a study abroad semester in an english spoken country. That's why i chose new zealand. Auckland is a big city and it was very good that the accommodation was in the centre. You have the chance to meet a lot of new people from all around the world and from every culture.

Is it worth it to study at AUT?

For me, the papers are not very hard, so you can get good marks very easily. So, i Would recommend to study at AUT. The service, especially from Kenneth and Sam was very good!

What would you improve about this program?

More service from the lecturer. I think that is the only thing which can be improved.

Response from Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Hi Felix, thanks so much for your review, it's great that you were able to meet so many people during your time here. All the best for the future!

By AUT University on May 18, 2015

Going to school at AUT Has given me the perfect city feeling while also feeling part of the community. The campus had everything you need and everyone is happy to help you whether you're lost or can't figure out how to print!

What would you improve about this program?

Having to pay for the bus to north shore was frustrating because the courses I had to take we're only offered there.

Studying abroad at AUT is the best decision that I have made to date. I have had the most incredible experiences traveling around this beautiful country and making long-lasting international friendships along the way. The best part about Auckland Central is how easy it is to travel to and from it. Moreover, I like being able to travel to rural spots on the weekends and returning to a small, fast-paced city, for day-to-day living. It was quite easy for me to balance school work and travel as I think the course load at AUT is very manageable (but this could vary on an individual basis). The student support staff are really helpful here, you can go to them with anything and they will do whatever they can to help you. If you are used to living on your own I would not recommend living in the Wellesley Student Apartments. The student accommodation is conveniently located and great for meeting people, but be prepared to lose a bit of independence/follow strict rules and regulations if you choose to live in WSA.

Overall: I highly recommend studying abroad at AUT!

What would you improve about this program?

More housing options/ help establishing off-campus accommodation.

This has been one of the best experiences of my life! Met some awesome people who I hope to keep in contact with when I go home. I've travelled the country and it is incredibly beautiful. As for university, I like most of my classes, and still have a good amount of freedom. The lecturers keep things interesting and most classes are very practical.

What would you improve about this program?

Not much to be improved at all. More opportunity for group travelling and activities.

Studying abroad at AUT in New Zealand is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and an awesome experience you will never forget in your life.
To start with, New Zealand is not only a beautiful country with a stunning landscape and lots of possibilities to do outdoor activities, but for that reason also especially the perfect place to study international tourism management.
AUT is a very modern and well-equipped university right in the middle of Auckland. AUT provides everything a student could need - for example there are a lot of special rooms for group-meetings as well as laptops and further equipment every student may book. The professors are really friendly and take their time to answer all questions coming up.
Furthermore the staff from the international support centre is very kind and they help you to solve every problem you have!
I totally recommend AUT!

Questions & Answers

How is the weather in the fall term?

Hi there, our February to June semester is during the end of summer to end of Fall. This is the best time to experience New Zealand's warm weather and beaches. Our July to November semester is from the start of Winter until the end of Spring, so starts a little colder and warms up nicely. Auckland experiences very mild weather so never gets too cold or too hot.

By AUT University on June 21, 2019

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose to go to New Zealand on exchange with my home college because I have heard amazing feedback from students who went before me. New Zealand is also an interesting case study when it comes to environmental management. The country has a lot of beautiful, conserved land, but composting is not very present; just being in another country for a few months enables me to see what actions are being taken elsewhere.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Since my program was through an exchange between Champlain College and AUT, the initial process was fairly simple for me. I still had to apply for the exchange to both schools, but Champlain dealt with the tuition payment and classes to take. This will make transferring my credits back home much easier as well.

Outside of these aspects, I was largely on my own for my visa, transportation, phone plan, housing, and various travel. This was not very difficult for me, as I have traveled quite a bit in the past, but it is a lot to think about; that being said, if you are reading this and feeling nervous about any of these, reach out to someone who can help guide you!

View Entire Interview

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I wish that I had known that the whole ordeal would not be as scary as I was anticipating. This may differ for other people, but, with good planning, the process was not as anxiety-provoking as I thought it would be.

I also wish that, before I left the US for my semester abroad, I had researched more about where I wanted to go in New Zealand while I was here. I love going into travel with open options so I can discover as I go, but I was left wishing I went to the 90-mile beach when it was still warm out. Create a little bucket list before you leave!

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Because my visa doesn't allow me to work here, my schedule is very open compared to back in the US. I only have four courses for the semester, and any other events I participate in have been voluntary. I have found that this free time has been valuable for me to pursue personal projects and goals outside of my college education. I started going to the gym, reading more books, and working on creative projects.

As for the weekends, a lot of my friends and I often have three-day weekends, so we have been able to take little weekend trips around the North Island.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was that I would feel out of place or uncomfortable in the big city of Auckland, New Zealand. I grew up in a town of less than 1,000 people and go to college in a city of around 60,000; Auckland has a population of 1.5 MILLION people, and that made me wary. However, the city is beautiful and very welcoming. The key is being open for a change and looking for a place that, even if it pushes you outside of your 'normal,' can accommodate what you seek.

Were there any experiences that pushed you out of your comfort zone?

No matter whether you go overseas or not, there will always be instances of something pushing you out of your comfort zone, but living abroad for a few months really brings new experiences I couldn't have imagined. Personally, I am a pretty bad swimmer, but I swam in the ocean with wild dolphins and fur seals.

For some people, this doesn't sound daunting, but I was incredibly nervous. After doing these activities, I can confidently say that pushing myself was well worth it. I learned so much during it, both about myself and about the places and animals I was around. If I hadn't studied in New Zealand for the semester, I don't think I would have progressed like I did.

Nina Eydenkaldt

Michelle Garvey

Jan-Willem Aarents

Alyssa Jeffer

2014 Alum

Jessica Cohen

Shannon Yska

Merel Jansen

2015 Alum

Henriette Andrea Hansen

Alexander Boehmer

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Sam previously worked at AUT and is now completing his Masters in Norway. The international education adventure has not stopped for him!

What is your favorite travel memory?

Seeing an old friend in London after a rough day of travel!

I had started the day with a 3:30 am flight from Bergen getting into Manchester later in the morning for an event starting at 12. It ran until the late afternoon, at which point we had to quickly pack up and catch a taxi to the train station. We were crammed into a packed train to London. With my over-sized luggage in tow, I then had to navigate the Tube to find my hotel. My phone was dead by this time, I was relying on passers-by for directions. I eventually got there to find an old friend waiting for me. I was exhausted at this point, but there was no greater feeling than sharing a beer with a mate after a long, long day!

View Entire Interview

Which destination is most underrated? Conversely, which is most overrated?

Estonia in my opinion is a country that more people should visit! Just a ferry ride from Helsinki, Tallinn is a beautiful city, with a lot to see and do. The cost of living is quite low, so a beer and meal won't set you back much. If you get out of Tallinn, you really should visit some of the islands, like Saaremaa. A magical place, filled with natural beauty and history.

On the other hand, Amsterdam was not that amazing in my opinion. Far too many tourists for my liking!

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

For me, it's how we engage with our stakeholders. In my role, the most important are the students and partner universities. Students have lots of questions before they arrive, and then need a welcoming introduction once they get here. If we can give them a good experience, they will tell their friends and family back home. Word of mouth is a great way to encourage more students to choose AUT when they study abroad.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

When I started at AUT, I really had no idea about the scope of International Education. I've learned how vast this industry is, and how exciting it is to work in. Before starting in this role, I would never have seen myself working in this industry. But I can now see a career path for myself, in an area which I'm passionate about. The most rewarding aspect for me is seeing international students coming to study in New Zealand, and the positive experiences and impressions they leave with.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

We had a German design student who planned to come for one semester last year, who ended up staying for the whole year because he loved AUT and Auckland so much. He is now planning to finish his studies in Germany and return to AUT for postgraduate study, with hopes of landing a job at Weta Workshop in Wellington.

Shivani Rajan

International Programmes Coordinator

Monique van Veen

International Relationships Manager

Kenneth Holt

International Programs Manager

Location

Location:

Auckland

Currency:

New Zealand Dollar

Weather:

Jan-Mar

75 F / 46 F

Apr-Jun

68 F / 30 F

Jul-Sep

61 F / 28 F

Oct-Dec

72 F / 41 F

Airports:

Auckland International

( AKL )

Christchurch International

( CHC )

Wellington International

( WLG )

Auckland, the City of Sails, has it all — from oceans to volcanoes to city life. Though Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, the city center packs a lot into a small space. Whether you crave outdoor adventures or want to go for some fantastic food and shopping downtown, Auckland is both urban and packed with nature.

Featuring influences of the native Maori culture, Auckland is also the most multicultural city in the country, offering a variety of traditions and cuisine. With three national universities located in the city — University of Auckland, Massey University, and AUT University — Auckland is also a student-friendly city and a popular study abroad destination.

About Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

AUT is the second largest university in New Zealand. We have been a university since 2000, but a place of learning for 120 years and operate in accordance with the Education Act (1989). In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021, AUT is ranked in the 251-300 band. We are the third highest ranked university in New Zealand. AUT is...

Program Details

Response from Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Response from Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Response from Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Response from Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Alumni Interviews

Holly Francis

Why did you choose this program?

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Were there any experiences that pushed you out of your comfort zone?

Staff Interviews

Samuel Davis

What is your favorite travel memory?

Which destination is most underrated? Conversely, which is most overrated?

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?