USAC New Zealand: Massey University

I had always wanted to go to New Zealand since I was little. Finally having the chance to go there through studying abroad made me super excited, but of course I had my fears because it would be my first time traveling alone without my family or anyone I knew. Stepping off the plane into New Zealand fall-like winter after leaving America's summer was an awakening in itself. I had arrived and was excited to see in person why New Zealand interested me. The first thing that drew me in to this country was its greenery and views. The mountains, skies, grass, and vibrant environment became a quick comfort to admire in this beautiful country. Second, I really appreciated the classes I took that not only allowed me to connect with native people, but also learn more about the country. I recommend taking a Maori course because you get to learn the language and history, which opens your eyes to how New Zealand is shaped the way it is and remains so refined. Compared to America I definitely see kiwis (what New Zealanders are called) as more trusting, supportive, and engaging. Many tend to leave their doors unlocked, I've connected and gotten to know people in a Domino's, grocery store, and hostel even when I knew I'd probably never see them again. Thirdly, New Zealand allowed me to do scary and beautiful adventures. It is a small country, but holds a lot of thrill seeking attractions and many places to hike (kiwis call hiking tramping). Sadly, I did not go to nearly as many places as I wish I did, but enjoyed the places I did venture to. For my study abroad I was in Palmerston North and I traveled to Wellington, Rotorua, and parts of the South Island, ending in Queenstown during university breaks or a weekend. I hiked two glaciers, went kayaking with seals, saw a seal colony, saw a glow worm cave, saw a waterfall, made it to the pancake rocks, saw a powhiri (New Zealand welcome ceremony), and camped out near a beach to awake to a mesmerizing sunrise. I love how New Zealand is very in tune with the nature that resides around them. The fourth thing I would have to say about New Zealand is that its peacefulness is what captured me. It is a country that always makes you want to stop and admire and relax. I now look for that beauty and calmness everywhere I go, even if it's just within my home state. I think New Zealand helped me see myself as more independent. Saving money to travel, eat, go out with friends, do laundry, and buy gifts and souvenirs was hard for me, but post-program I have definitely gotten better at budgeting. My experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me appreciate who I am, what I am capable of, and this gorgeous country. I want to save money to go back to New Zealand and bring my family and friends. I think everyone should at least see New Zealand once because its atmosphere leaves you feeling reawakened.

When I arrived in New Zealand, I was all on my own, not knowing a single person. I left the airport balling my eyes out after my program ended because of the lifelong friends I was leaving behind. The staff at the on campus housing was amazing. They put events together that everyone was excited about and it gave me a chance to make these great friends. The academics were totally different from what I was used to in Colorado. There were very few homework assignments but most of the classes were essay based. Being a finance major, I was not used to all that writing and it actually made me an overall better college writer. I wouldn’t trade the memories made while I was in Auckland for anything. I grew into someone that I’m proud to say is my best self.

Signing up for a semester abroad at Massey Wellington was a bit of a shot in the dark since I wasn't really guaranteed to get any of the classes I was interested in. Since I was entering CoCA (Massey's art school) it's very competitive and difficult to get the classes you are interested in.

When I first got my schedule I didn't receive any of the classes ("papers") I wanted, but after talking with a number of different professors I was able to get into everything I wanted. The classes were by far my favorite classes I've taken throughout my college career. Being surrounded by so many creative minds and industry professionals was an incredible experience.

When I decided to study abroad at Massey though, my plan was to travel and academics were just part of that process. It turned out that academics became more than just a side job which I'm very grateful for. The traveling was also spectacular though. I've never seen so many incredible landscapes and gone on so many memorable hikes in such a short period of time.

If you're looking for good academics and scenery that you'll remember for the rest of your life, Massey Wellington is the place for you!

I chose the semester-ling study abroad program at Massey University in Palmerston North New Zealand and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I made so many new friends and shared experiences that I wouldn't trade for the world.

Kiwis are some of the kindest people you will ever meet - the cashiers at Pak & Save actually took the time to ask me how I was doing and were interested in hearing what I had to say. In fact, I asked where something was one day and the store clerk stopped what he was doing and physically showed me where to find what I was looking for instead of riddling off a random isle number. I really appreciated that.

As far as academics went, Massey offered courses that were challenging and enlightening. The overall class structure was completely different to what I was used to with my home university: there were only a couple assignments or "homeworks" to pass in and then there were exams and those were your only grades. A lot of learning outside the classroom is required as well - professors don't hold your hand nearly as much as they do in the States. I learned a lot from my courses at Massey and was able to get an interesting take on various aspects of American politics and education by hearing the Kiwi side of it.

Culture shock was not really a problem in New Zealand since everyone spoke English. I think my greatest challenge was getting around, and even that wasn't that difficult. The bus schedules are posted throughout campus and are easy to look up online.

The scenery, the people, the culture... everything about New Zealand was amazing and beautiful. I loved it so much that I've been back again in a year and I am planning on living there permanently in the future.

Even though this program description only addresses the study abroad experience in Palmerston North (where the largest Massey campus is), USAC students can also choose to study in either Auckland (New Zealand's largest city) or Wellington (New Zealand's capital), where Massey has smaller branches.

I chose to study in Wellington. In fact, I chose the USAC program specifically because it included the option to study in Wellington. I had visited Wellington before, and wanted to spend my semester abroad in this great city.

My experience at Massey Wellington was great. The International Student Support staff were all fantastic. I had an issue with my housing the very first day (I lived in a Massey-affiliated apartment with 4 New Zealand students, and was originally placed in the wrong flat), but the support staff was very helpful and got me into a better room situation within 24 hours. The staff also planned get-togethers and outings for all the international students, and were always around and willing to chat. Our main support contact even helped us out with travel planning!

Massey Wellington is largely a design school, but I took courses ("papers") there in journalism, pop culture, and travel writing. The courses were interesting, and the in-class time and workload was, frankly, minimal. I went to class 7 hours a week, and had 4-day weekends. Assignments were tough when they came around, but nothing I wasn't prepared to handle.

I enjoyed going to school in New Zealand. But I enjoyed living in Wellington even more. My flatmates were fun (though housing was co-ed, which I was not expecting), and the city of Wellington is fantastic. It's not a small city like Palmerston North, nor a big city like Auckland. Instead, it's a very walkable, livable city. There's tons of culture here (food, theater, nightlife), and always something going on. Plus, with it's location right in the middle of the country, it makes a great jumping-off point for other travel around New Zealand.

And, if you're going to study abroad in New Zealand, most definitely plan to do some traveling. The country is small and easy to get around, and has so much beauty that it will blow your mind. And the locals? Some of the friendliest people you will ever meet.