Unlocking the Kiwi Experience: Socialising and Succeeding in New Zealand for International Students
Are you thinking of studying in New Zealand, or are you already studying there? If so, you might wonder what being an international student in this beautiful and diverse country is like. How do you balance your academic and social life? How do you make friends and have fun? How do you cope with the challenges and opportunities of living and studying abroad? In this blog, you will find the answers to these questions and more as we explore the student experiences in New Zealand. You will learn about the academic and social aspects of studying in New Zealand and get some practical tips and advice on making the most of your time there.
One of the best things about studying in New Zealand is the opportunity to have a vibrant and diverse social life. New Zealand is a friendly and welcoming country where you can meet people from different backgrounds and cultures. You can also enjoy the natural beauty and attractions of the country, such as the beaches, mountains, lakes, and forests. Some of the ways to have a great social life in New Zealand are:
- Join clubs and societies: Most universities and colleges in New Zealand have a variety of clubs and societies that cater to different interests and hobbies, such as sports, arts, music, languages, and more. Joining a club or society is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and have fun. You can also start your club or society with a unique idea or passion. You can learn more about the clubs and societies available at your institution on their websites or gov.nz.
- Attend events and festivals: New Zealand has a lively and colourful calendar of events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating the culture, history, and identity of the country and its people. Attending these events and festivals is a great way to experience the local culture, enjoy the entertainment, and mingle with the crowd.
Some of the popular events, activities and festivals in New Zealand are:
- Waitangi Day: This is the national day of New Zealand, commemorating the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, which established the relationship between the British Crown and the Maori people. On this day, various ceremonies, performances, and activities across the country showcase the Maori culture and heritage.
- Chinese New Year: This is the most important festival for the Chinese community in New Zealand, celebrating the beginning of the lunar new year. This festival has various events and activities, such as parades, fireworks, lanterns, dragon dances, and food stalls, showcasing Chinese culture and traditions.
- Pasifika Festival: This is the world’s largest Pacific Island cultural festival, celebrating the diversity and richness of the Pacific Island cultures in New Zealand. This festival has various events and activities, such as music, dance, art, crafts, and food, showcasing the Pacific Island cultures and lifestyles.
- Explore the country: New Zealand is a country of stunning natural beauty and adventure, where you can explore and experience a range of activities and attractions. Exploring the country is a great way to have fun, relax, and discover new places and things. Some of the activities and attractions you can enjoy in New Zealand are:
- Hiking: New Zealand has a network of hiking trails called the Great Walks that cover some of the most scenic and diverse landscapes in the country, such as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the Milford Track, and the Abel Tasman Coast Track. Hiking is a great way to enjoy nature, challenge yourself, and bond with friends.
- Skiing: New Zealand has some of the best ski resorts and slopes in the world, where you can enjoy the snow, the views, and the thrill of skiing. Skiing is a great way to have fun, exercise, and learn a new skill.
- Bungee jumping: New Zealand is the birthplace of bungee jumping, where you can experience the ultimate adrenaline rush of jumping off a bridge, a platform, or a helicopter with a cord attached to your ankles. Bungee jumping is a great way to overcome your fears, test your limits, and have unforgettable memories.
Some tips for making friends and networking in New Zealand are:
- Be friendly and approachable, as New Zealanders are generally warm and friendly and like to chat and joke with others.
- Be respectful and curious, as New Zealanders value diversity and inclusion and like to share and learn about different cultures and perspectives.
- Be proactive and confident, as New Zealanders appreciate initiative and enthusiasm and like to see others participating and contributing.
Balancing Academics
Another important aspect of studying in New Zealand is balancing academic and social life. While having a good social life is essential for your well-being and happiness, you must also focus on your academic goals and performance. Balancing your academic and social life can be challenging, especially when dealing with different academic standards, expectations, and systems.
Some of the challenges and strategies for balancing your academic and social life in New Zealand are:
- Language barrier: If English is not your first language, you may face difficulties understanding and communicating in your academic and social settings. This can affect your confidence, participation, and performance. Some of the strategies for overcoming the language barrier are:
- Take an English language course: Most universities and colleges in New Zealand offer English language courses for international students before or during their academic programs. Taking an English language course can help you improve your English skills, such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and prepare you for academic and social interactions.
- Join a language exchange program: Many universities and colleges in New Zealand have language exchange programs where you can meet and practice your English with native speakers and also learn another language from them. Joining a language exchange program can help you improve your English fluency, pronunciation, and vocabulary, as well as make new friends and learn about different cultures.
- Seek help and feedback: If you have any questions or problems with your English, you can seek help and feedback from your teachers, tutors, classmates, or friends. They can help you clarify your doubts, correct your mistakes, and give you suggestions on how to improve your English. You can also use online resources like dictionaries, grammar checkers, and translators to help you with your English.
- Academic workload: If you are studying in New Zealand, you may face a heavy and demanding academic workload, affecting your time, energy, and motivation. You may have to deal with various academic tasks, such as assignments, essays, reports, presentations, exams, etc.
Some of the strategies for managing your academic workload are:
- Plan and prioritise: One of the critical skills for managing your academic workload is planning and prioritizing. You need to have a clear and realistic plan of what you need to do, when you need to do it, and how you will do it. You must also prioritize your tasks according to their importance, urgency, and difficulty. You can use tools like calendars, planners, or apps to help you organize your plan and schedule. You can also set goals, deadlines, and rewards to help you stay focused and motivated.
- Study and work smart: Another critical skill for managing your academic workload is studying and working smart. It would be best to have effective and efficient study and work habits that suit your learning style, preferences, and needs. You also need to use the available resources and support, such as libraries, online databases, study guides, or tutors, to help you with your study and work. You can also use strategies, such as summarizing, outlining, highlighting, or reviewing, to help with your research and employment.
- Balance and relax: Balance between your academic responsibilities and personal well-being. Take breaks, get enough sleep, and engage in activities you enjoy. Balancing your academic and personal life contributes to overall well-being and enhances productivity. Remember, breaks are not procrastination; they are essential for maintaining focus and preventing burnout. Find activities that relax and rejuvenate you, whether a hobby, exercise or spending time with friends. Prioritise self-care to optimise your academic performance and overall satisfaction.
Studying in New Zealand is about getting a quality education and having a memorable and enriching experience. As an international student in New Zealand, you can have a balanced and fulfilling academic and social life as you learn, grow, and have fun. You can also make the most of your time in New Zealand by taking advantage of the various activities, events, and opportunities available. Whether you are interested in sports, arts, culture, nature, or anything else, you can find something that suits your taste and passion in New Zealand.
Embark on a vibrant social and academic journey in New Zealand! Secure your spot for a personalised 1-to-1 counselling session now to unlock the secrets to an enriching social experience.
