Why I Decided to Study in New Zealand

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.

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.

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.

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.