NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand has an international reputation as a provider of quality education. It offers a safe learning environment with excellent study opportunities and support services for international students.
Educational System New Zealand, a world leader in social and economic reforms and an active participant in the international academic and educational arena, has much to offer overseas students. There are seven national universities offering degree programs at undergraduate and graduate levels. All of New Zealand's universities are governed by the Vice-Chancellors' Committee, a central coordinating body. University education in New Zealand is closer to the British than the American system, therefore you will find bachelor degrees to be three years long and the education more focused rather than "liberal" (professional degrees such as architecture or law can take longer). The academic year extends from late February or early March to November with a long summer vacation from mid-November to mid-February. In each subject the student is required to attend a given number of lectures, tutorials and/or laboratory periods per week. These are supplemented by personal reading and |
Partner Universities CIS currently partners with the following universities in New Zealand:
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People and Culture New Zealanders are a friendly, welcoming sort who love travel and enjoy meeting people from other cultures. They are famous for their warm hospitality to overseas visitors as they themselves come from many ethnic backgrounds. The dominant cultural groups are the Pakeha (European), the Maori and other smaller groups including Yugoslavian Dalmatians, Polynesians, Indians and Chinese. The secular aside, Christianity is the most common religion, with Anglicanism, Presbyterianism and Catholicism the largest denominations. While an English-speaking country, New Zealand's strong Maori heritage has recently flourished, and their language, for so long on the decline, is now making a comeback. A flowing, poetic language, Maori is surprisingly easy to pronounce if spoken phonetically with each word split into separate syllables. The wide-open spaces and national parks have influenced New Zealanders' love of outdoor activities. Tramping (hiking), camping, sailing and skiing are all popular activities, as are rugby and cricket. There are hundreds of beaches, ideal for swimming and diving - many of them within walking distance of student campuses. |
Geography and Climate New Zealand is in the South Pacific Ocean, about 900 miles southeast of Australia. It stretches 950 miles from north to south and consists of two large islands, North Island and South Island, and a smattering of smaller islands. With a population of only 3.8 million, it is similar in size to the United Kingdom or Japan. The North Island has a number of large volcanoes (including the currently active Mount Ruapehu) and highly active thermal areas. The South Island, on the other hand, boasts the Southern Alps - a spine of magnificent mountains running almost its entire length. Situated in the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere with the summer season falling between December and February and the winter between June and August. Lying between 34S and 47S, New Zealand sits squarely in the "roaring forties" latitude, which means a prevailing and continual wind blows over the country from west to east. While temperatures are a few degrees cooler in the South Island, both islands receive snow in winter and remain between 65º to 80º Fahrenheit in the summer. It is important to remember that New Zealand's climate is maritime, rather than continental, meaning that the weather can change quickly. The capital of New Zealand is Wellington (population approximately 400,000) and is situated at the southern tip of the North Island. Other major cities and towns include Auckland (the nation's largest city), Hamilton, Palmerston North, Christchurch and Dunedin. Distances between major attractions and cities in New Zealand are short and there is a good transport network making independent travel easy in this country. Nearly every town and city in New Zealand is linked to a network of coach and rail services while modern ferries link the North and South Islands. |
Health and Safety Overall, New Zealand is considered a safe, stable country. You should not be overly worried for your personal safety. But, as always, you should exercise caution in unfamiliar situations. During your studies in New Zealand you are required to carry health insurance to cover you in case of an accident. If you are not covered under a comprehensive plan, The Center for International Studies can make arrangements for you to purchase comprehensive international heath and travel insurance for about $50.00-$75.00 per month. |
CIS - Center for International Studies 25 New South Street # 102, Northampton, MA 01060 Toll-free phone 877 617-9090, Phone: 413 582 0407 Fax: 413 582 0327, Request More Information |
