Speaking from experience, researching study abroad options can be a stressful experience. There are a lot of things to consider such as what degree to pursue and which university to attend. An equally important decision, and one not everyone realizes is even an option, is whether to stay in your home country or travel to study abroad.
The latter is what I decided to do, and it’s why I’ve been studying my business and management master’s degree in New Zealand. When I was choosing where to study, the popular destinations were Canada, the UK, Europe, and Australia, all of which were tempting for different reasons. Nevertheless, I felt New Zealand was the best fit for an adventurous person like myself, and since arriving here I’ve never looked back!
If you think you might like to join me in New Zealand, here are some of the main reasons why I decided to study in the “Land of the Long White Cloud”.
I get to study in Middle Earth
Yep, may as well get this out of the way first because I know it’s what you’re probably most excited about. I’m a huge fan of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, both of which were filmed in New Zealand, and when I saw those movies for the first time, I just said to myself: “Boy, I’ve got to go there one day”.
It’s surreal to think I’m here now, and it’s as beautiful as the films made it look. If you’re as enthusiastic as me to visit the place where Frodo began his journey, then New Zealand has to be on your list of potential study destinations. When you’re here, visiting Hobbiton is a must!
I receive a high-quality education
Like many other Latin American students, New Zealand wasn’t my initial first choice destination. However, after some research, I found out the country of the Kiwi bird not only has one of the best education systems in the world, but it’s also home to several internationally recognised universities.
In my case, pursuing a master’s degree in business and management at the University of Waikato will undoubtedly be an advantage on my CV, as the Waikato Management School has Triple Accreditation.
Lecturers here also really help you develop your critical-thinking skills, as they expect you to engage in debates, participate actively during class, and seek your own answers by looking at different perspectives. Having been here for three months, I’m already thinking differently about my studies.
New Zealanders are some of the friendliest people in the world
Before I packed up my belongings in my home country, I read that New Zealanders tend to be friendly towards foreigners, but still wasn’t sure what to expect. Three months later, I can happily say I’ve met the kindest and most approachable people here. Kiwis are always willing to lend a helping hand to newcomers, and I have honestly felt at home since day one.
I’m getting to experience new things
Something I didn’t predict before moving to New Zealand from Latin America was how many minor differences there would be to life here. For example, when I first arrived here, I was surprised to see that people drive on the left-hand side of the road, while in my country people drive on the right-hand side. Also, traffic lights in New Zealand have a special push button for pedestrians so they know when to cross the street.
Daylight also lasts longer here during the summer, because of daylight saving time. Perhaps the change I notice the most on a day-to-day basis though is how many Kiwis like tea, when I’m used to most people back home preferring coffee. It’s been interesting getting to know the differences between New Zealand and my country of origin, and you can expect a similar experience if you choose to study abroad too.
I’m meeting people from all over the world
Surprisingly for such a small country, New Zealand has a real mix of nationalities, so if you want to live a truly multicultural experience, then studying here is a great option. I’ve met students from all over the world, and I’m happy to say I’ve made a friend from every continent.
Of course, there are many other reasons to study abroad in New Zealand (I’ve not even got started on the stunning landscapes), but hopefully this has scratched the surface and given you some inspiration. So far, I’ve really been enjoying my stay here and if you choose to pursue higher education in this beautiful country, I promise you’ll treasure each moment forever.