Life in a Foreign University | This Indian student ditched UK, US for New Zealand… and has no regrets

While the UK and the US dominate the international student landscape, they weren’t my top choices. New Zealand universities were offering a welcoming and intimate learning environment with high-quality education and therefore my preferred choice. I took part in many webinars across time zones, had countless tabs of research, and learned New Zealand offered appealing degree structures which was very attractive for me, the course and university were the right fit for me.

My journey of finding the perfect university was a personal one, as the study abroad counsellors were advocating for many other countries. This was a trend I noticed amongst many of the counsellors in India. Thus, I cast a wider net. My initial research included a diverse range of countries, considering factors like location, academic programs, and faculty expertise. University rankings were the last factor for me to consider, which I felt often prioritised marketing over academic goals.

Talking to people within the university played a crucial role in reviewing my choices. For New Zealand, I applied by researching and finding the course through the website. I distinctly remember thinking a conjoint degree would allow me to make so many connections across disciplines with a sense of flexibility to decide my career pathway given the broadness. The application process was easy. I simply had to fill out a couple forms and provide my predicted grades with some answers to a couple of basic questions.

New Zealand: Nature, diversity, exposure to opportunities

The University of Auckland offers a flexible curriculum, diverse community, and a strong connection to the research field. Choosing New Zealand was a deliberate decision based on academic and personal alignment. I knew I was coming into a space in which the experts teaching me were academicians interested in students’ holistic development.

One of the key differences between studying in New Zealand and India is the environment created and the opportunities available. First, studying amid nature, now, although The University of Auckland is within the largest city of New Zealand, there is still a very strong presence of nature in my surroundings. This has played an integral role in my life because it helps me destress. Often, when I feel anxious or in need of something to do, I simply take a walk in the bush or head over to the nearest beach.

Second, given the small population size in New Zealand, I believe it’s a lot easier to navigate around the region as a student. It offers a relatively safe environment.

Third, my exposure to people with diverse backgrounds has exponentially increased after moving here. This is a key part of my journey as a student and as someone who seeks to meet different kinds of people with varying perspectives.

Studying abroad has been a life changing experience for me, fostering a stronger sense of independence. The beautiful New Zealand outdoors have made me appreciate nature so much more. It made me appreciate cultural values and the environment more deeply. I have realised that while everyone leads different lives, we share common aspirations and beliefs. This experience has been incredibly rewarding when locals mistake me for a native, which reflects my successful integration into this beautiful country.

‘Working in New Zealand helped me grow’

Auckland ranks among the world’s top 10 most livable cities. So, I took advantage of part-time job opportunities available for international students. I worked as a swimming instructor initially and later as a residential adviser at Carlaw Park Student Village. These roles provided extra pocket money and valuable skills without interfering with my demanding coursework.

University clubs were a core part of my student experience and helped me make new friends, learn about organisations, and discover new aspects of myself through various projects. I started with UN Youth, volunteering at AYD and later becoming an educational officer. In my second year, I was elected tertiary vice president for the Auckland region, gaining experiential learning and networking with political figures.

I also joined the Auckland University Psychology Association as social media executive and became a member of the Auckland Global Studies Club. Balancing these roles was manageable, and they greatly contributed to my personal and professional development. I’m looking forward to the upcoming summer research scholarship.

Moving countries meant seizing every opportunity. One of the first was being a class representative, voicing student feedback on lecture styles, classrooms, and assignments. This experience underscored the university’s commitment to student-centered learning. A few months later, I participated in faculty meetings to discuss my desired courses, highlighting the flexibility and responsiveness of the educational system. The Faculty of Education and Global Studies fostered a nurturing environment where we explored complex issues and made meaningful connections between past, present, and future. Developing personal rapport with my lecturers allowed for discussions on societal issues and guidance on future endeavors.

(This letter is part of a series by The Indian Express where we bring to you the experiences of students at different foreign universities. From scholarships and loans to food and cultural experiences — students tell us how life is different in those countries and things they are learning other than academics)