People having fun fishing on a lake under a big tree

Indian student Anwesha Samanta spent three weeks on an animation internship in New Zealand where she studied at Massey University, Wellington Institute of Technology and Media Design School. In this blog, she shares what she learnt about New Zealand.

Three things we learnt about New Zealand

An international student in New Zealand having dinner with her homestay family

I have only stayed in my homestay for two days, but since I have had working experiences with the Western world and New Zealand through different projects, I believe these are important tips to share with you all.

Tips for a successful homestay experience

Digital Content Manager

A group of international students meet online instead of in person to get through lockdown.

At 11.59pm on 25 March 2020, New Zealand went into a nationwide high-alert level lockdown to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. 

International students surviving lockdown in New Zealand

Here are some ideas to help keep your food purchases as sustainable as possible during lockdown.

Sustainable lockdown shopping tips

English language student from Japan

Headwind and tailwind, challenge and chance. Wellington, full of wonder.

Things I learnt studying English in New Zealand

High School student from Germany.

Leo, an international student from Germany, goes to Whangarei Boys High School and is currently in lockdown with his host family in Northland, New Zealand. 

Lockdown Q&A with Leo from Germany

student exchange student with friends in New Zealand

If you read this you are probably an exchange student who is a bit lost and overwhelmed with this whole lockdown situation. 

Lockdown as an exchange student

Student from Shanghai

Why you should study abroad at least once in your lifetime 

Florenz explains why you should study abroad at least once in your lifetime. I came here after working for one year in a company in Shanghai. At that time, I was like most university graduates: working from nine to five and from time to time pondering one question, WHAT NOW? 

Why you should study abroad at least once in your lifetime

Coming to a new country to study isn’t easy. Here are seven ways how to cope with stress when moving overseas.

7 ways to cope with stress

Singaporean PhD student

Tips to ensure that the Ph.D. journey isn't Lonesome

The Ph.D. journey is often said to be lonesome. For those starting the journey or planning to, I can assure you that this is not an exaggeration. Part of making the Ph.D. journey a meaningful one is to connect with others. Here are my top three tips for ensuring that your Ph.D. journey isn’t a lonesome one.

Tips to ensure that the PhD journey isn't lonesome

Master in Engineering Management

Indian scholarship student Neeraj Nambiar has put together a series of blog posts based on his experiences which he hopes will become a one-stop shop for potential students thinking about coming to New Zealand. This is the fourth, and last, in the series.

Tips for travel and entertainment

If you are an international student studying in New Zealand, chances are you have aspirations of visiting as many beautiful corners of the country as possible. 

Tips for the weekend traveller

Business administration programme student at AIS from Argentina.

Blog - arrival tips for studying in New Zealand

Maximiliano Ploder, from Argentina, shares some arrival tips for studying in New Zealand. 

Arrival tips for studying in New Zealand

Arriving in New Zealand for the first time was easily one of the most exciting experiences of my life. Soaring over mountains and landing near the ocean, I felt as though I had come to a truly magical place – and I was right! 

6 budget-friendly musts for your first week in NZ

Bachelor of Sports Coaching

In my previous post, I shared that in women's rugby your teammates are your ‘sisters’ and the team is your ‘family’, right from a club level to the elite Black Ferns. Not only is this feeling of community and belonging seen in rugby but it can also be found across a variety of different sports in New Zealand.

Sport in New Zealand

US Study Abroad Scholarship Student

Thinking about studying abroad in NZ? Nicole Guinn shares five things she discovered; from the hospitality to the true beauty.

5 surprises about studying abroad in New Zealand

American student at the University of Otago, Dunedin

A blog about reverse culture shock, redefining home, and post-New Zealand life. 

So how was your trip?

Students share the most memorable moments they experienced while studying in New Zealand.

Our “WOW” Moments

Meikko is from the Phillippines and shares a photo blog of his North Island summer road trip.

Students at a North Island beach in Summer.

A day after Christmas, four university friends and I went on a five day road trip around the North Island of New Zealand. Apart from having some fun times together, our main mission was to conquer one of New Zealand’s great walks – The Tongariro Alpine Crossing – and to see the famous Mount Doom (Mt Ruapehu) of ‘The Lord of the Rings’. 


My summer North Island road trip

Ryan Hunt and his girlfriend on a mountain overlooking a lake

When I decided to study in New Zealand, I knew I would make relationships with people that could possibly change my life forever. 

A study abroad romance

Filipino Graduate Diploma student

Marc explains how he made the decision to live and study in New Zealand. 

Making an informed decision

Malaysian undergraduate student

Pathma explains her first few months trying to grasp the New Zealand lingo

Lost in translation

US Study Abroad student

My Māori culture experience

Student from the Philippines

Student Paolo recalls his time in New Zealand and explains how running helped him to see many of the beautiful sights in the Bay of Plenty. 

Running in Rotorua

Students share their advice for international students thinking about coming to study in New Zealand.

Advice for students thinking about studying in New Zealand

German Masters Student Engineering, specifically robotics.

Marvin explains why you should join one or more clubs during your study abroad in New Zealand.

Why every international student should join a club

Filipina postgraduate student

Melanie on the Redwoods tree walk in Rotorua, New Zealand

Melanie Dublin describes her time in Rotorua.

Rotorua: balanced lifestyle and breath-taking scenery

Arina, an international student in New Zealand

Starting a new life in a different country can be challenging for international students, especially when leaving family and old friends behind.

Studying overseas and making It feel like home

A family eating lunch overlooking a harbour

Mohammed is a student from Saudi Arabia who is studying English at the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. 

A day in the life of Mohammed from Saudi Arabia

Aerial view of Tauranga Port and Mt Maunganui

Tauranga offers international students the experiences of a bustling city alongside the laid-back lifestyle of a small Kiwi town. 

Tauranga - where business meets beach

Malaysian NZ Aid Scholarship student

Students walking through the streets of Queenstown, New Zealand

Travelling around New Zealand while you study is an exciting experience. But as a student you’re always afraid that you'll starve for weeks after once you’ve spent all your money on travel.

How to save money on travel in New Zealand

Students hiking through tussock covered hills in New Zealand's South Island

Minimalistic travelling was completely new to me before coming to New Zealand. This is how I managed to do it while travelling across New Zealand during the semester break.

Tips for travelling light on a budget

US Study Abroad Student

Walking the Routeburn Track in New Zealand

I am writing this to highlight New Zealand’s wonderful bus system that helped me to travel all across the South Island without ever buying or renting a car.

Getting around New Zealand by bus

Filipino postgraduate diploma student

I would like to share with you some helpful tips I learned as I started living my life here in this beautiful country.

Tips on how to achieve a successful student life

The New Zealand government has introduced a new travel requirement for some visitors and transit passengers, called the NZeTA.

New travel rules for New Zealand

Here are some of my top tips to help you plan for your trip to study in New Zealand.

How to plan for your arrival

Filipino undergraduate student

Corny title yet it’s nothing but the truth. Becoming president of a city-wide club called Christchurch Educated International Student Association (CEISA) really changed my life in ways that I could never have imagined.

How being president of a club changed my life

Close up of hand writing with pen on paper

I realise that some of you that have read my blog posts may be thinking "Wow what's going on with her spell check?

Spelling tips for New Zealand English

International students at the dinner table at their homestay accommodation

One of the first things that you have to arrange before arriving in New Zealand is a place to stay.

The joys of living in a homestay

student skiing in the South Island of New Zealand

Prepare yourself for the honest to goodness truth: I regret studying abroad in New Zealand... but not for the reason you might think. Hear me out.

Why I almost regret studying in New Zealand

A former international student in New Zealand taught Japanese children to perform a haka to welcome the All Blacks to Japan.

Teaching haka in Japan

Many people asked me “Why New Zealand?” when I told them where I was studying abroad. I never knew how to give them a straightforward answer without leaving out any important details. 

5 reasons why I chose to study in New Zealand

international students walking on Banks Peninsula in New Zealand

When I first looked into study abroad options, I was facing a map with countless virtual pushpins, each representing a possible destination I could spend a semester studying in. It was overwhelming. How do I choose a continent, much less one specific city within a country?

Studying abroad: New Zealand vs Europe

International Marketing Executive at Massey University

Aerial view of Palmerston North city centre

Often referred to as ‘Palmy’, Palmerston North is a great destination for students wanting to experience the ‘Kiwi’ way of life.

Palmerston North – a real 'Kiwi' student city

Chinese Masters Student

punting on the River Avon in Christchurch New Zealand

There are not many big cities in New Zealand, but in the South Island, there’s one big city you will not want to miss, Christchurch. I want to praise this city in so many ways because it has me feel like it's my second hometown.

Laid back lifestyle with character in Christchurch

Study Abroad student from the United States

When I went to New Zealand, I couldn’t believe the amount of espresso machines scattered throughout the country.

Coffee culture in New Zealand

international students buying vegetables and the local market in Dunedin

The cost of living in New Zealand is similar to many other OECD countries. Our cities compare favourably with other major cities around the world.

5 ways to cut your living costs while you study in New Zealand

Muslim student Arina Aizal outside the mosque in Dunedin

Kia Ora and Assalamualaikum (peace be upon you)!

Being a muslim student in New Zealand

a large pou with a carved tiki and other Māori sculptures in a garden

While studying abroad at Otago University in Dunedin, New Zealand, I had the wonderful opportunity of experiencing and learning about the indigenous/Māori culture.

3 things the world could learn from Māori culture

Chinese Undergraduate Student

cost of living in Auckland for an international student

As an international student, I know it is not an easy thing to live abroad. You need to take care of yourself and manage your time and your own money.

How much money do I need to live in Auckland?

Family holidaying at a Kiwi bach in New Zealand

In a Kiwi accent: “New Zealand. Such a sweet as place bro. I’m so gutted that I have to head back to the states soon. The sheep might be blocking the runway again, eh? Cheers!”

The ultimate guide to Kiwi slang and mannerisms

Canadian Study Abroad Student

When I share my NZ experience I always say, “New Zealand, New Me.” I loved the person I became on my study abroad. I was independent, meeting new people, travelling to new places and truly living my best life!

New Zealand, new me

Bachelor's student

International student studying in a cafe in Auckland

It’s Feb 21st, 2019. In just 3 days, I will be moving to my accommodation at the University of Auckland.

Moving in to university accommodation

Tanzanian PhD Student

I would recommend any international student, especially one who’s never been too far from home to stay with a homestay family in the initial periods of their stay.

A home away from home

Filipino Diploma Student

Believe in the power of your own feet – they will take you to places near and far.

Fun things to do in and around Auckland

During my time in New Zealand, I lived in Auckland City. Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand, therefore, tends to be more expensive than other places. Over my semester living in the City, I discovered a few tricks to save a little money here and there.

Cheap hacks for living in Auckland

US study abroad student

International student sits in the mountains in New Zealand

10 funky differences between the US and NZ

Mt Cook is New Zealand's highest mountain

Kevin and his friends chose the perfect weekend to explore the mighty Mt Cook, discovering the beauty that New Zealand has to offer.

A weekend exploring Mt Cook

Master of Development Studies student

A flat white served with a chocolate fish, and a takeaway coffee cup with the Wellington harbour in the background. 

I have a soft spot for quirky little cafes and good coffee, so falling in love with this city was easy.

Wellington coffee culture

Blog author Sophie standing in front of a snow covered mountain in New Zealand.

I moved over to New Zealand from the United States in the first week of July and was shocked by the beautiful views throughout the country! The friendly atmosphere made me feel at home, however there were 5 things I wish I brought to NZ with me.

5 things I wish I'd brought to New Zealand with me

An international student gardening at his homestay in New Zealand.

Life in lockdown can be a struggle. It’s important to balance your studies with other activities to keep yourself motivated and look after your mental health. Check out some of the things students around New Zealand are doing during lockdown!

7 inspiring things students are doing during lockdown

Birds-eye-view of cafe table top with laptop, coffees, cake and windsurfing brochure.

No matter where my travels take me, whether it’s much too early Chemistry classes or warm Thursday morning drives to the beach, there is always one thing on my mind – coffee.

What I love about Dunedin coffee culture

Secondary school student from Thailand

Three students are preparing a meal together in their shared house in New Zealand.

Looking for accommodation? Students share their top tips on how to find accommodation while studying in New Zealand.

Tips on finding student accommodation

Austrian English language student

After finishing my studies I travelled around New Zealand. There were so many great places to explore that I decided to create the following maps of the North and South Islands to help show other people where to find things they are looking for in a very simple way.

My maps of New Zealand

birds-eye view of a table laden with New Zealand lamb, radishes and barbequed corn on the cob

New Zealand’s produce reflects on its 100% pure motto.

New Zealand food and local produce

Venezuelan-Ecuadorian Masters Student

Before I came to New Zealand, I didn't know what to expect from Hamilton. I felt as if I were going to the land of the unknown. Nevertheless, I was ready to begin the adventure of my life.

Studying in Hamilton as a Latin American Student

Couple holding hands in Rotorua's redwood forest

One of my dreams is to live in a place where there is no discrimination and judgment. 

Lifestyle

Three things we learnt about New Zealand

Tips for a successful homestay experience

International students surviving lockdown in New Zealand

Sustainable lockdown shopping tips

Things I learnt studying English in New Zealand

Lockdown Q&A with Leo from Germany

Lockdown as an exchange student

Why you should study abroad at least once in your lifetime

7 ways to cope with stress

Tips to ensure that the PhD journey isn't lonesome

Tips for travel and entertainment

Tips for the weekend traveller