{"id":11859,"date":"2024-02-16T17:27:23","date_gmt":"2024-02-16T17:27:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/main.ukuni.org\/?p=11859"},"modified":"2026-05-21T10:34:40","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T07:34:40","slug":"10-things-to-know-before-studying-abroad-in-new-zealand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ukuni.org\/ar\/10-things-to-know-before-studying-abroad-in-new-zealand\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Things to Know Before Studying Abroad in New Zealand"},"content":{"rendered":"
\nWhether you\u2019re all set to jet off to your\u00a0study abroad in New Zealand<\/a>\u00a0or you\u2019re still in the research phase, it\u2019s always important to dig into your destination to make sure you\u2019re fully prepared. While New Zealand is known by many for its stunning landscapes (think: Lord of the Rings) and numerous adventure sports, it\u2019s so much more.
\nRead on to learn 10 things you never knew about New Zealand before studying abroad.<\/p>\n

1. New Zealand is one of the safest countries in the world<\/h2>\n
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Ranked the 4th safest country in the world by the\u00a0Global Peace Index, students (and parents) can feel secure even when they\u2019re far from home. Of course, it\u2019s important to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid dangerous situations everywhere in the world but New Zealand has especially low rates of violent crime. New Zealand also prides itself on being a welcoming destination for LGBTQ and BIPOC students.<\/p>\n

2. M\u0101ori culture and heritage are an important part of Kiwi life<\/h2>\n
It\u2019s estimated that the first M\u0101ori ancestors arrived in New Zealand (known by the M\u0101ori as Aotearoa) from Polynesia between 1200 and 1300 AD. Despite a history of injustices over land ownership and issues around identity erasure, in modern times, there has been a push to acknowledge and honor the heritage and contributions of Indigenous peoples to New Zealand society.
\nFrom using the te reo M\u0101ori greeting kia ora (literally translates to “have life”) to celebrating Matariki, the M\u0101ori New Year, you\u2019ll notice representation of New Zealand\u2019s first inhabitants during your study abroad.
\nTake every opportunity you can to educate yourself about M\u0101ori culture while in New Zealand, whether by accepting an invitation to a marae (sacred meeting place) or enjoying the camaraderie of a h\u0101ng\u012b (traditional M\u0101ori meal).<\/p>\n

3. There are only eight universities in New Zealand<\/h2>\n
Given its size, you might be surprised to learn that there are only eight universities in the whole country, spread across the two islands.
\nStudents looking to immerse themselves in a “state university” type feel similar to that of the Big 10 in the U.S. can choose from\u00a0Auckland University of Technology,\u00a0University of Auckland,\u00a0Massey University,\u00a0University of Otago, or\u00a0Victoria University of Wellington. These universities range from 17,000-33,000 students.
\nFor more of a private university feel, students can consider\u00a0Lincoln University,\u00a0University of Waikato, or\u00a0University of Canterbury, ranging from 3,000-12,000 students.
\nContact<\/a> UKuni to know about New Zealand<\/p>\n

4. You\u2019ll need to be more independent at university<\/h2>\n
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As a student in the US, you\u2019re probably used to having assignments or supplementary work throughout the course to keep you accountable and on track with your learning. Typically, staying on top of homework assignments, quizzes, projects, and exams are a requirement if you want to pass.
\nHowever, as a university student in New Zealand, you\u2019ll need to be a lot more independent. You may be surprised to find out at the end of the semester that your final grade is based on one final exam or paper, but this is common. This means you\u2019ll have to be strict with yourself to ensure you devote the proper time to studying even when there aren\u2019t due dates looming over you.<\/p>\n

\u201cI only had 3 classes at University of Victoria. Far less classwork but far more self accountability for when an essay was due. Tutorials were mandatory but extremely helpful. It gave [me] the opportunity to ask any question I could possibly have, but being able to hear from other peers and coursework that required group reflection allowed me to understand far more even if I didn’t know the right questions to ask. There are office hours in the US that I could take advantage of but not quite the same when there’s far more coursework and only online resources to rely on.\u201d<\/p>\n