New Zealand from a Student Perspective
November 2, 2008
Mmmm…delicious! Licking my fingers, I devoured another delectable pastry. Literally almost any street has a small bakery of sorts. (I’m in carbohydrate, sugary heaven!) I particularly liked Pavlova, which incidentally was named after a famous Russian ballerina. It’s a dessert made of meringue, whipped cream and topped with kiwi fruit.
Delightful! I gained some so-so pounds. But I didn’t really care. I vowed that I will taste and savor any dish, fruit, dessert there are!
I came to study in New Zealand a few days ago, but I fell in love with everything almost at once. I came to study initially, but every trip I made outside the university was greeted with gastronomic and sight-seeing delights. I compare it as being in a spa all day; I can take refuge anytime with the beautiful post-card worthy surroundings and indulge with delicious culinary offerings.
But aside from all that, New Zealand has world-renowned educational excellence. That’s why I chose to be here. Basically, there are universities that are known from a certain specialized course like in Auckland, the top university that offers and is famous for Applied Humanities. You can literally search at your fingertips the universities that you like to attend.
I, on the other hand, enrolled in AUT IH’s Health & Environmental Sciences. Being one with nature, it’s not hard to be immersed on it. The strict standards ensured that on my first day I was in the same English standards with my fellow students which I preferred; at least I would be more comfortable.
New Zealand has become the popular destination for most students looking for finest education. I just clicked on this link: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/study/canistudyinnewzealand/
There were some things you have to keep in mind though. If you plan to stay for more than three months, secure a Student Permit Visa, pass the health requirements, and clear citizenship. It’s also practical to research first on the course you desire to take, and from there check out the best university that specializes in that area.
Also see if they can offer FREE scholarship. (Currently there are Up to 100 doctoral and 100 undergraduate students currently studying under the scholarship programs) Most of them are very willing to help you out in finding and securing places for you to stay. Many offer cost-friendly inns or dormitories (if you uncertain to stay in a local home).
I am sure that you would fall in love (just as I did) and maybe stay here for good.
Maria Sabino
Student Experience in NZ
November 2, 2008
“I hope I can come back soon. Will terribly miss you!”
This is the last line of the letter I left, posted at my host family’s fridge door. It’s true. I will. Because they were good. They treated me like their daughter. It’s a blessing when I saw this site about studying in a foreign land.
New Zealand is indeed foreign to me. But once I was there, I felt right at home. Maybe it was the bountiful, glorious nature that surrounded me, foods that never felt alien to my unadventurous tongue or the people who live here.
I came to New Zealand to study. After all, New Zealand is famous for providing excellent education. There are numerous schools to choose from. All of them are international standard. And New Zealand is a fairly safe place so it’s a no-brainer.
I stayed for only three months but I learned tons. Even though I only attended short-course program, I am certain that everything I was taught was usable. The intense program made me fully concentrate and also appreciate every free time I had with my host family.
Such a short stint did not stop me from exploring the breathtaking sceneries around me, the museums and shops.
Everything I heard and seen before I went there was nothing compared to what I personally experienced. Since I did not have to worry much about my travel papers, (it’s unfussy and easy to obtain permits anyway). And since my stay is short, it’s as if I just took a break and hang around in my aunt’s apartment. (Note: There is an existing law that other foreign citizens have equal term of citizen rights with New Zealand’s natives, so you better look that one up).
One helpful site for me is Study in New Zealand
Study in New Zealand
