This Autumn, 80 long-term exchange students at NZUWI experienced their first Mooncake Festival in the southern hemisphere.

While they may be far from home, the feelings surrounding this festival are the same the world over. It’s a time of happiness, created through sharing moments.  

To celebrate this special time of year, we invited four of our students to talk about their study and life at the University of Waikato in New Zealand.

Study life at the University of Waikato:

BCGD 1701 Song Yi

Studying at the University of Waikato gives students more freedom and flexibility, but there are also expectations students will be conscientious and take responsibility for their learning. I’ve only been here for two months so have been keen to make a good start. There are a lot of people who go to the library on weekends and start studying very early.

Being in New Zealand has changed my perspective and thinking. It has helped me become clearer about what I really want to do with my studies.

Life in New Zealand:

BMCT 1702 Jiang Shuyi

I decided to rent a house in New Zealand. I live with a girl who is studying the same major as me, a lady from South Africa and a couple from New Zealand. Our landlord is a teacher. Although he doesn't live with us, he often asks us if he can do anything to help.

The landlord’s uncle often drives us to the Chinese supermarket in city to buy some food every week. This is very convenient for us.

Flatting means I share the house with others, and it provides more opportunities for us to communicate and improve our English speaking and listening. To get to school, we can take a bus or walk for 20 minutes. Renting has also improved our ability to live independently.

School life in University of Waikato:

Sheng Yijing:

Extracurricular life:

The school holds different kinds of ball games including table tennis and badminton. There are also free Zumba courses for international students once a week. I experienced the unique Kīngitanga day in New Zealand. On this day, a cultural performance and seminars were held to exchange knowledge and culture. The locals all communicated in Māori, and you could feel their enthusiasm through the special performances.

The international partnership program is specially designed for international students. As part of the program the school finds local students to help us fit in to New Zealand life.

Study life:

I have found being at the school has been a great help for my studies. There is always a lot of course work to do, and it is a student’s responsibility to complete the work, but the various practical and creative assignments set by our teachers are a good challenge and allow me to continue improving my learning.

The customs of New Zealand:

Tong Hao:

"Kia Ora!". This is the New Zealand Māori greeting, and you will hear it everywhere in New Zealand. It’s always offered with kindness. New Zealanders treat people with kindness, and they have a great passion for life.

As the birthplace of extreme sports, you can watch rugby games everywhere in New Zealand along with other sports like skiing and parachuting. It shows how much New Zealanders love their sports.  

My impressions of New Zealand include its changeable weather, harmonious scenes and its sincere people.