The
Benefits of Studying in New Zealand
New Zealand has an excellent education system. Qualifications gained here are accepted alongside the best in the world, and are internationally recognized as such. There are a wide range of study opportunities, including state-administered primary and secondary schools, universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and private training establishments. This provides an attractive and stimulating educational environment at all levels, with institutions diverse in size and location. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority assures the quality of programmes offered by state institutions and private establishments, which in turn ensures that programmes offered in New Zealand maintain international recognition.
To compliment our education system, English is the everyday language of New Zealand, and our accents are easy to understand. This makes both learning and practising English a more positive experience. New Zealanders have a reputation for friendliness and hospitality towards visitors, being relaxed and informal, and will readily call you by your first name.
The cost of study in New Zealand compares favourably with other countries, particularly due to the fact that it is cheaper than the USA, Canada or England (amongst others), while continuing to provide quality services. The New Zealand exchange rate remains favourable to overseas students, which all helps to make the opportunity of studying in New Zealand more pleasurable. Accommodation is varied, ranging from homestays, apartments, halls of residence or student flats, and most institutions will help students find accommodation suitable for them. Living expenses (food, clothing, transport and entertainment) are in the region of $8,000-10,000 per year.
New Zealand offers a safe learning environment. It has a long-established political democracy, and is noted for its strength and independence, most notably being the first country in the world to declare itself a nuclear-free zone. The New Zealand government has an established and reliably implemented immigration policy, enabling individuals to obtain student visas. The environment is clean, green and uncrowded, with a small population and wide open spaces. At the same time, New Zealand is a multicultural society - while being primarily settled from the British Isles, this century has seen a wider migration, particularly from Asia. Coupled with New Zealand's Maori and Polynesian heritage, it makes for a cosmopolitan, exciting and international country.
The climate is considered to be temperate, meaning that it is not too hot, not too cold, not too wet and not too dry. Having said that, the climate varied from region to region - for example, in the far north (north of Auckland), the climate is sub-tropical, and is said to be winterless, because it never snows there. However, the South Island experiences each of the seasons - sometimes all in the same day!
New Zealand is a world-renowned centre of tourism and natural attractions! Almost every type of scenery can be found, from snow-capped mountains, volcanoes, fjords, glaciers, lakes, wild rivers, native forests, sandy beaches, plains and rolling hills. Everything is linked by a good highway system that makes all parts of the country accessible. Consequently, there is an enormous choice of activities to enjoy - far too many to list individually, but including skiing and snowboarding, jet-boating, sailing, fishing and scuba diving, bush-walking the famous tracks, mountain biking, golden beaches for swimming and surfing, viewing whales, penguins, albatross and many other unique wildlife. For the less active, there are many cultural activities, many relating to our Maori culture, and also a wide range of arts, crafts, music and theatre.
Author
Isabel Milwad
English Language Centre
University of Canterbury, NZ
