New Zealand, an island nation in the southwest Pacific Ocean, is a special place with stunning landscapes and fantastic educational options. The most populated city in New Zealand is Auckland, but Wellington is the country’s capital. The nation’s official currency is the New Zealand Dollar ($NZD). In a nation that has reached a high level of development, the service sector leads the economy, closely followed by the industrial sector. It is achieving high ranks in international assessments of a nation’s performance in areas such as a way of life, education, protection of civil rights, open government, and economic freedom. New Zealand is a viable alternative for international students preparing to begin their study abroad trips due to its reputation for distinction in cutting-edge research and creative energy, as well as its safe and pleasant environment.
While New Zealand is a famous study abroad destination among international students, each study abroad destination has its benefits and drawbacks. This article will examine that. Listed below are a few advantages and disadvantages of being a study abroad student in New Zealand.
THE BENEFITS-
- Globally certified degrees from any of the eight institutions in New Zealand consistently get excellent rankings in the QS World Rankings* and Times Higher Education Rankings, opening doors to prospects all over the world. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) also makes sure that institutions are authorised to accept students from outside New Zealand and that they adhere to the requirements for qualifications. Students will have an advantage over the competition if they have a degree from one of the universities. The institutions’ curricula are well-balanced, giving both academic and practical knowledge equal weight.
- Work while you study- In New Zealand, overseas students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays. In reality, students will be permitted to work full-time if they are pursuing a research master’s or doctorate degree. Working a part-time job not only helps students make ends meet, but it’s also a terrific opportunity to make friends and network while expanding their horizons and learning more about other cultures and viewpoints.
- Reasonable living costs and schooling expenditures- New Zealand’s cost of living is significantly lower than that of many other top studies abroad locations. Compared to places like the USA, Canada, the UK, etc., living in New Zealand is less expensive since fresh food, lodging, and transportation are all cheaply priced. When compared to places like the USA, the UK, etc., institutions in New Zealand have substantially lower tuition fees for comparable structured programmes and degrees. Additionally, there are several scholarships available for international students to pick from. Scholarships are offered by the institution and the government and are mostly determined by the applicant’s past or present academic achievements.
- Excellent Career Opportunities after Studying- 90% of students who find employment after graduation do so in job profiles that are related to the courses they have studied, according to Institutions New Zealand, the sector voice for all eight universities that represents their collective views nationally and globally. According to the most recent statistics (2019) from SEEK Employment Trends, opportunities increased by 9.4%, and most industries saw growth. Chris Whelan, executive director of Universities New Zealand, claims that 90% of graduates find employment after graduating, with a 97 per cent employment rate.
- Can work in New Zealand post-graduation- Many nations often modify their student return rules, and many of these changes are unfavourable for students. Nevertheless, depending on the course you are doing, New Zealand allows a stay-back term of up to three years. The length of the stay-back time depends on the course’s nature, length, etc., but after completing their studies here, students will have the chance to hunt for employment and start working.
THE DRAWBACKS-
- Housing Issues- In New Zealand, housing options are not very plentiful. This may result in a marked increase in the price of obtaining adequate housing in popular regions. Fortunately, students in New Zealand may get housing homework assistance from their colleges, which frequently provide on-campus housing or can aid with finding student housing.
- Remoteness- Although New Zealand is blessed with beautiful scenery and wildlife, some people may not appreciate the country’s isolated position. Most other sites require a lengthy and sometimes expensive travel process to get to and from. Because imported items are sometimes rather expensive, it’s possible that foreign students will pay a premium price for their home comforts.
- Transport- In New Zealand, there are many different ways to get about on public transit, including buses, trains, and ferries. Buses remain the most often used means of transportation even if getting around the city is quite pricey. Another significant problem is the lack of routes linking the city centre and rural areas. Travelling by boat will be expensive as well. A typical New Zealand ticket costs between $3 and $5. You may view the ticket prices on Auckland Transport’s official website. Before choosing to buy your own car, you should consider the cost of petrol, which is NZ $ 2 per litre. Two other problems with the transportation system are huge city traffic jams and sky-high taxi fares.
- Expensive Healthcare- The New Zealand government pays for healthcare using tax dollars. It costs between $10 to $30 for a general practitioner and is essentially free for both city dwellers and rural populations. Every test, study, and treatment that a doctor recommends is also free. The cost of prescription drugs is just between $5 and $10 NZD. If you don’t have a residency, get insurance; else, the expense of your medical care will be out of reach. Additionally, the expense of dental care in the country is rather high, hence many people travel to Asian countries for dental treatment.
- Cataclysms- The Pacific Volcanic Ring of Fire’s geologically active region includes New Zealand. As a result, there are several earthquakes per year, most of which are not felt. On the South Island, earthquakes are occasionally felt, although it is nearly unnoticeable on the North Island. The nation has strong construction laws and regulations to safeguard safety against catastrophic effects.
Thanks to its outstanding educational system, internationally recognised credentials, a plethora of research possibilities, and unrivalled quality of life, New Zealand has emerged as one of the top destinations for studying abroad, and not only because it is a stunning nation. The advantages and disadvantages of studying in New Zealand that has been covered by myglobaluni are intended to help you understand what to anticipate. You may achieve the height of success you desire for yourself by doing well on the English examinations and by picking the appropriate course, duration, etc.
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