New Zealand

New Zealand study abroad programs will expose students to an amazing variety of breathtaking landscapes. Many blockbuster movies have been shot there, including the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It is true – New Zealand’s unbelievable landscapes are very much what makes the country so unique and memorable. There are a wide variety of opportunities to view wildlife like dolphins and whales, as well as plenty of outdoor activities like white water rafting and bungee jumping. But there is more to New Zealand than its natural beauty. Students studying abroad in New Zealand will be captivated by this interesting and remote country.

New Zealand is becoming first choice for an increasing number of international students seeking quality education. New Zealand universities, colleges and other New Zealand education institutions offer students a one of its kind learning experience.

New Zealand is one of the world’s beautiful countries. Choosing of New Zealand for education would be a great decision because it’s a place of world class citizens. Voted amongst one of the most developed and safest environments in the world, New Zealand has emerged as a hot destination for students from all across the globe.

New Zealand is clean, green, secure and friendly. It is very cosmopolitan, has a stable democratic government and after 9/11 is considered one of the safest developed nations to be in. Although limited in population, it has unparalleled infrastructure, opportunities and great natural beauty.

Every year students from all over the world make New Zealand – their host country. The magnificence of beauty and serenity of the locale is the perfect panacea to the pressurized existence that most students undergo on a daily basis!

The New Zealand approach to education fosters self-reliance, inquisition and fresh thinking. You will find a holistic approach to education at New Zealand. This is born of the unique magic called New Zealand.

You can have a Study abroad experience that goes deeper than New Zealand’s stunning beauty – an exciting dynamic place that brings together a unique set of conditions perfect for personal growth and learning. From world class educators to a recreational paradise, a New Zealand education is your place to grow.

New Zealand is a modern parliamentary democracy based on the Westminster parliamentary system. New Zealand’s Parliament is currently made up of 120 Members representing eight parties. The present make-up of the Members is 82 men and 39 women and of these 21 class themselves as Maori. New Zealanders go to the polls every three years, with the next election in 2014.

Prime Minister is the head of the country. While voting is not compulsory, as a New Zealand resident or citizen you will be required to enrol as an elector.

New Zealand has a reputation for being a welcoming and safe destination. New Zealanders are renowned for their hospitality, friendliness and amicability. Students from throughout the world will find a high level of respect for their individual cultural differences throughout New Zealand.

New Zealand Geography and Demographics

New Zealand is known for its rich magnificence; scenically beautiful regions, each within easy reach of the other. This diverse scenery includes impressive mountainous areas, fertile farmland, beautiful beaches and coastline, forests, numerous rivers and lakes. New Zealand offers some of the most beautiful and varied Landscapes on earth. You can experience the sights of high snowcapped peaks, glaciers, ancient beech forests, a wild coastline with unusual wildlife; long, deserted sandy beaches, alpine meadowlands, wide open sheep country, bubbling hot springs, green lush rain-forests and a great deal more.

Total Area: 270,534 square kilometers (104,453 square miles)

Capital: Wellington

Population: 4,100,000

Ethnic Composition: 73 percent European; 12 percent Native Maori; 4 percent Polynesian; 11 percent other, including Chinese, Korean and other Asian peoples.

Official Language: English

Religion: 22 percent Anglican; 21 percent none; 16 percent Presbyterian; 15 percent Roman Catholic; 26 percent other

New Zealand has a distinct culture and heritage. Lifestyles are generally more relaxed and informal than in most other developed countries and New Zealanders are self-reliant and practical, open and hospitable. They tend to have little patience for ostentatious or loud behavior. They also value their families and their leisure time.

New Zealand Climate

Being located in the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand seasons are completely opposite to countries north of the equator. Winter lasts from June until August and our summer is between December and February. Surrounded by sea, the climate doesn’t get uncomfortably hot or unbearably cold in the areas where the majority of people live, although extremes will be found, particularly in the mountain ranges in winter. Overall, our temperate climate ranges from 20-30?C (68-86?F) in summer, and from 5-15?C (41-59?F) in winter. New Zealand’s Seasons.

The North of New Zealand is sub-tropical and the South temperate. The warmest months are December to March and the coldest June, July and August. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30 degrees C and in winter between 10-15 degrees C. You can check on weather conditions in New Zealand on the New Zealand Met Service website.

Clothing

Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and nightspots. Men are generally not expected to wear suits and ties, except in a few of the top formal bars and restaurants in major cities. In summer a light jacket or sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler or in case you visit the high country. You can expect some rain, so include a light waterproof jacket or coat. Pack warm winter clothing if visiting between May and September. Layer your clothing.

Language

English is the main written and spoken language in New Zealand. It is the ability to read, speak, write and understand English to a relatively high level which makes living and working in New Zealand easier and more satisfying. The language is very informal and relaxed and people also use unique slang words to describe everyday things..

Government

New Zealand is a modern parliamentary democracy based on the Westminster parliamentary system. New Zealand’s Parliament is currently made up of 120 Members representing eight parties. The present make-up of the Members is 82 men and 39 women and of these 21 class themselves as Maori. New Zealanders go to the polls every three years, with the next election in 2008.

Prime Minister is the head of the country. While voting is not compulsory, as a New Zealand resident or citizen you will be required to enrol as an elector.

Travel

Because it’s a very compact place, travel within New Zealand – whether by plane, bus, rail, car or campervan – is easy and affordable. Accommodation too is cheap and varied. And the culinary promise of venison, fresh seafood, sublime ice cream and award-winning wines should more than whet the appetite.

Why Study in New Zealand?

If you’re wondering whether New Zealand is the right place to study for you, we outline some of the main reasons why the international student population in New Zealand has grown rapidly in recent years.

Broad range of study and research opportunities

The eight institutions that make up the New Zealand university system are located in cities across the country’s two main islands, the North and the South.

This distribution gives students the chance to pursue a wide range of opportunities in study, work, recreation and culture. The proximity of all eight universities to New Zealand’s diverse natural environment offers students the chance to research anything from endangered marine mammals to earthquake engineering.

Although all the universities offer core degrees in the arts, business and science, each also has its own distinctive profile. For example, Auckland and Otago have the country’s two medical schools, featuring hospital-based learning, whereas Canterbury and Auckland have an international profile for their engineering courses.

A high quality learning experience

The New Zealand university system is research-based, as it is historically based on the British higher education model. This means there are a number of similarities between the 2 systems, such as the names of qualifications, teaching methods, and the look and feel of the university campuses.

All academic staff are expected to be active researchers as well as teachers. This insistence on research-informed teaching ensures a high quality learning experience.