Study Abroad at AUT University in New Zealand

I randomly chose a country to study abroad in and ended up at AUT. I had one of the best times of my life and met so many amazing people that I continue to visit all over the world. AUT is in a fantastic urban location but easy to get out of town as well.

Great experience. Amazing memories and lasting friends. The landscape is gorgeous and the people are extremely friendly. There are so many great outdoor activities you could spend years on one island without exploring all that it has to offer. The culture is rich and the weather is beautiful.

I still talk about my time studying abroad in New Zealand and attending AUT. it was the best decision of my life and I am so incredibly happy that I went to New Zealand! AUT is the best university with the best professors and staff. I have nothing but good things to say about my experience and I would do it again if I had the chance!

Every staff member I met involved in the program was incredibly caring and competent. You definitely felt like you were in good hands the entire time. It was a wonderful learning experience and I met friends that I'm going to keep in touch with for the rest of my life.

Studies at AUT place you in the center of the City of Auckland. The support services provided to students studying abroad is nothing short of amazing. Further, what I was impressed with the most, was the approachability of the faculty. Unlike some schools that attempt to put up a barrier, here the staff are genuine in their desire to give students every opportunity to be successful and have an enjoyable stay. I honestly was not expecting to have an experience as amazing as the one I encountered when overseas at AUT. People are truly looking to help and are so generous with their time it is unbelievable.

It honestly is a good idea to utilize student housing while there. Proximity to campus facilities is exceptional, as well as the city itself. That being said, especially for older students (ie: not 18-21), communicate prior to arrival about seeing if your flat assignment can be with a group of 'age appropriate' students. Makes a huge difference and will make your time go a lot smoother!

I loved living so close to campus. It was a five minute walk from my flat to classes or the library. I arrived in Auckland two weeks before term started and did not have a class schedule, but the faculty were extremely understanding and helpful. I was able to create a schedule that allowed me to engage in my courses and still have plenty of time to enjoy the rest of what New Zealand had to offer. Overall, it was a fantastic experience in one of the coolest places on Earth!

I chose to attend AUT for the Fall 2008 semester and it was hands-down the best decision of my life. I knew no one else going, but immediately made some of my best friends. I'm a bridesmaid in one of their weddings this year! The staff at AUT worked very hard to ensure the transition was as informational and seamless as possible, and were always there to help with any questions the entire time. Culture shock I obviously going to happen, regardless of how "cultured" you think you may be. The staff (and your fellow study-abroaders) make it much easier. i also loved that they really immersed you in the experience. I was the only American in our four-person apartment and LOVED it! It was so cool learning about the other cultures and working them into our day-to-day lives. Everything about AUT was amazing and I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. I made the most incredible memories - including bungee jumping and sky diving! Hey, it's the adventure capital of the world! It's such a travel-friendly country, and because of its size I was able to visit the majority of the absolutely stunning country! I seriously cannot say enough great things about AUT and New Zealand.

Getting to class was easy, besides the hills. The study abroad staff was great and welcoming. I quickly made friends and had a great social circle early that lasted the entire semester.

I stayed in the 1st-year dorms. I was studying as a 4th year student. I was worried that would take away from my experience, but living with all the young Kiwis was awesome. My flat was an international flat. I lived with someone from Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and New Zealand. It was a lot of fun.

Some of the professors were accommodating to international students, which was nice. I'd say the work was challenging but not impossible.

Auckland had plenty of restaurants and nightlife. It was difficult to go anywhere that wasn't walking distance, as the bus drivers were NOT friendly (in Auckland, they were a joy in Wellington).

Overall I loved the experience. It was pretty easy to travel on weekends as well.