Study in New Zealand
by Dawn Papandrea
Whether it's because you're obsessed with the beautiful landscapes filmed in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, or because you want a totally different experience than what you're used to in your home country, consider studying in New Zealand. New Zealand is certainly known for its natural beauty, but beyond looks, there's a deeper cultural heart to the country that currently is home to over four million people.
Student Life in New Zealand
Located to the southeast of Australia, New Zealand is known for its diversity, it's hospitality, and its sheer beauty. And more and more, it's becoming known for the excellent experience it offers to its international college students. In fact, New Zealand was the first country to adopt an official policy called The Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students, which defines a standard of care for international students both in and out of the classroom. And here's an impressive fact: Nine percent of university students in New Zealand were international students as of 2009, according to the New Zealand Ministry of Education.
Because New Zealand's education system is largely based on that of the British, it offers the same high quality institutions of higher learning as its mother country (New Zealand became a British colony in 1840). As such, there are high-ranking universities with global recognition in New Zealand, each of which offer top-notch education, stunning campuses, and excellent professors and staff. New Zealand universities consistently appear in international university rankings including the Times Higher Education Supplement Top 500 and the Shanghai Jiao Tong Top 500.
While Zealand universities offer numerouse programs of study, they are best known for advances in fields like biotechnology, forensic science and marine engineering. Among the most well-known universities include University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, Victoria University of Wellington, and Massey University.
New Zealand Beyond the Classroom
Nature lovers will not get enough of New Zealand's outdoor wonders, nor its commitment and openness to diversity. A relatively peaceful nation (except on the rugby field, of course), New Zealand is mostly comprised of a mix of heritages including European, Maori, and Pacific Islanders. The country is predominantly English speaking, although the native Maori language is often heard as well.
The most populous city in New Zealand is Auckland, sometimes called the "City of Sails." With around 1.3 million people living there, Aucklans is both a bustling harbor town and a big city with a vibrant nightlife. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the best of high quality living and professional opportunities.
Wellington, located in central New Zealand, and Christchurch, one of the oldest and most European cities in New Zealand, are both worthy stops in an international student's itinerary as well.
