Key factors to consider when studying abroad

If you’re thinking of studying internationally, there are many things you will need to keep in mind. These can range from being very important or very minor but will all need to be considered at some point before you begin your studies in New Zealand. So, what are some of the things you will need to consider?

Before you submit any applications to study in New Zealand, you’ll need to know a bit about the country first. 

New Zealand is a mix of urban and rural areas, with most of the population living in or very close to a major urban centre. Despite this, you’ll soon discover there are still large parts of the country that are completely rural. Which do you prefer? Look at a map of New Zealand and learn roughly where the cities, towns and other interesting features are, like rivers, beaches and parks. 

New Zealand has a small population compared to other countries so urban areas could seem a lot less busy than what you’re used to in your home country. 

If you’d like to know more, there are plenty of articles on the Study with New Zealand blog where previous international students have written about their experiences in New Zealand. Also consider looking at NauMai NZ for information about more specific aspects of New Zealand life. 

A great blog to start with is Sara’s advice for future ‘Study Abroad’ students. The former biology and music student from the United States of America has some great insights into the New Zealand way of life and has handy advice for anyone planning to study here. 

When you decide to study with New Zealand, you will have lots of different choices about what and where to study. Even though New Zealand is a small country, there are still lots of excellent secondary and tertiary education providers you can choose from. 

Start by creating a SwNZ profile. Your profile lets you sort through all the different course and education providers; creates lists of favourites and will track any applications you send out. 

SwNZ profiles are free to make, won’t take much time to complete, and can help you make the right decisions for your education goals. Take the first step to studying with New Zealand and create a SwNZ profile today! 

Being able to budget your money is an essential skill when you’re living away from home. New Zealand’s cost of living may be different from what you’re used to, so it’s important to work out how much money you’ll need every week. 

Costs for rent, groceries, fuel (petrol/gas for private vehicles), common household bills (electricity, internet, water etc.) and public transport are some of the most common costs you should include in your budget. 

It’s a good idea to download a budget template and fill in as many details as you can, so you will know exactly where your money is going and how much money you can expect to have left over. A good place to start is at the Sorted website. 

For more handy information, be sure to check out the Money and Banking page on NauMai NZ. Not only does it have lots of helpful information, but you can learn a lot more about banking and managing your money in New Zealand.  

When you’re in New Zealand, you will have lots of opportunities to try things for the first time outside of the classroom – also known as extracurricular activities. Whether you are interested in seeing the sights, playing a new sport or immersing yourself in the local culture, you will have plenty of chances to see and do a lot of things! 

Often, larger education providers will have a directory of clubs and societies that students can join. These might include something that you are familiar with, or something you’ve never done before but would like to try. 

Of course you’ll find plenty of extracurricular activities on social media, but also consider websites like MeetUp where you can meet people who share the same interests as you do. 

If you do use online platforms to meet new people, be sure to stay safe. This article from NauMai has several great tips that you should always keep in mind.  

New Zealand’s culture may seem a lot more relaxed than back home. Most New Zealanders appreciate a casual and liberal lifestyle, and that means you may see things that you wouldn’t see in your home country. This may include the way people dress, their alcohol and smoking habits, their personal relationships, and the way they treat one another. 

For example, people in the LGBTQ+ community are legally allowed to express who they are in public, which means you may see same-sex couples, transgender individuals and pride celebrations and parades. 

New Zealand is a multicultural society that welcomes people from all over the world. A popular country to move to, either for education or to live, people of all nationalities have travelled to New Zealand and now call it home. 

You’ll see this diversity everywhere in public places, with different ethnicities mixing and mingling throughout society without discrimination.  

Check out this link on NauMai NZ for more background on cultural integration in New Zealand.  

 Did you know that New Zealand has three official languages? English is the ‘de facto’ official language, while New Zealand Sign Language and te reo Māori (the language of the indigenous peoples of Aotearoa/New Zealand) are also official languages. 

You’ll hear many other languages too. New Zealand is a cultural melting pot, with people from all around the world calling it home. 

As well as the three official languages, some of the others commonly spoken include Samoan, Hindi, Northern Chinese, Tongan, German, French, and Spanish. 

Learning te reo Māori is a good way to learn more about our unique Māori culture. There are lots of handy resources you can use. Whether you are using apps like Kupu, books like ‘Māori Made Easy’ by Scotty Morrison, or websites like maoridictionary.co.nz, a quick search online will bring you lots of options to choose from. 

If you’re interested in learning the New Zealand Sign Language, check out nzsl.nz for some handy introductory lessons. 

Have you thought about where you might live while you are studying with New Zealand? There are several different options available to you – the three main ones are listed below. Depending on your workload and level of study, some may be better choices for you than others. 

The most common choice for students in New Zealand is renting (also known as ‘flatting’). Here, you may move into a building (also known as a ‘flat’) alongside other people (that you may or may not know) and you each pay a share of the rent every week. Or you may like to find an apartment to rent by yourself. Either way, most flats to rent and flatmates wanted ads are on local social media sites or websites such as TradeMe. You may even find a flat in the newspaper or on noticeboards in places like supermarkets and community centres. 

Another popular choice of accommodation is a Hall of Residence. You’ll only be eligible to stay in a Hall of Residence if you’re studying at the university that runs it. These are usually in larger cities and places are sought after, particularly by first year students who find Halls of Residence an easier transition from living at home to living independently. 

A great way to socialise with other people studying similar courses to you, Halls will also take care of your meals while you stay there. Available rooms in Halls can fill up fast, so be sure to get your applications in before you miss out! 

The third main type of accommodation is boarding (also known as homestays). Here, you will stay in a home with a New Zealand family. This can be a great way to study in a calm and quiet environment while also enjoying the company of others when you want to. Host families will usually help you settle in by showing you around your new town or city and introducing you to their friends and family. 

For more information on different types of accommodation in New Zealand, check out this blog post which is full of handy information.  

Now that you know some of the most important factors to consider when planning to study overseas, you can feel more confident about making that move.  

Don’t forget: If you feel uncertain or unsure about anything covered off here, you can find more in-depth information on the Study with New Zealand blog, or the NauMai NZ website. 

If you can’t see anything there, consider reaching out to someone you know in New Zealand. With a reputation for warmth, friendliness and being approachable, your New Zealand connection might just be able to help you find what you need.