At the start of my time at GW I was unsure if I even wanted to study abroad, but now I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity.
Some things to know about studying abroad in New Zealand:
The weather -- this was one thing that I hadn't quite grasped before I arrived. Seasons are flipped in the Southern Hemisphere, but that being said, in Auckland in the winter, it is always around 60°F (16°C), so perfect sweatshirt weather for the whole semester. It also rains a lot; I've taken to always carrying my umbrella in my backpack and checking the weather app whenever I leave the dorm.
The social life -- club culture here is huge, especially in outdoor clubs, things like: hiking, skiing, surfing, rock climbing, and many more. But, most people that go to school at University of Auckland are commuter students and often live away, so actual campus culture is minimal. There are however a couple dorms that mainly house international students. My flat mates all ended up also being study abroad students from other universities, and they're some of my best friends here. Life here definitely isn’t as fast paced as it is at GW, so it’s been a good way to really get out and connect with the people and environment around me.
The food -- here when you live in a dorm you always have access to a fully stocked kitchen, whether in your flat or communal. This was especially nice because I didn't have to go out and buy extra dishes or utensils. A weekly grocery shop usually costs me $85NZD or $51USD and eating out costs around $20NZD or $12USD. However, because New Zealand is an island country there isn't as many options for different kinds of foods (compared to the US where grocery stores have a whole aisle for frozen pizza). All the seafood here is phenomenal, especially the sushi..
The culture -- in New Zealand, there is a lot of pride in the Maori culture, and I've loved being able to learn about it. You'll find that around New Zealand most things have a Maori name and an English name, and emails almost always open with a Maori greeting. During my time here, I've had the privilege of getting to watch the new Maori queen rise to the throne. I would highly recommend taking a class here to learn about the indigenous practices, life, and culture.
New Zealand so far has treated me amazingly, and I would absolutely recommend it as an option for anybody who wants to study abroad.
Zola Madson
Fall 2024
GW Exchange - University of Auckland [Early Decision]
Columbian College of Arts & Sciences
Cognitive Neuroscience Major