Should you choose New Zealand as an academic destination? Discover the reasons for the popularity of this nation among international students…
As well as being able to get into one of its globally recognized higher education institutions, the opportunity to live in New Zealand is something you can’t pass up. Green, warm, friendly and considered one of the countries with the best quality of life;
It is not surprising that it is also among the first places in world rankings of happiness. But what makes it so special? Read on to include New Zealand universities in your possible career options abroad.
On top of everything mentioned above, New Zealanders are known for being very friendly and welcoming. Named one of the three nations in the world where it is easiest to make friends with locals and integrate into the community, New Zealand welcomes thousands of expats every year.
In March 2014, immigration to New Zealand reached a net 3,800 – the second highest monthly figure ever recorded. Since September 2012, the number of people moving to New Zealand has been increasing.
Things are no different when it comes to international students. Between 2000-2005, New Zealand experienced a 170% growth in the number of foreign students, with people coming from over 180 different countries.
With a mindset of motivating foreign students to select New Zealand as an academic destination and then retaining that talent, immigration law changes were devised in 2006; to create post-study options for graduates with and without a job offer after graduation.
outdoor culture
It is no exaggeration to say that New Zealand’s specter of breathtaking scenery is the envy of the world. From its verdant hills that served as the setting for The Lord of the Rings to the white coastlines that trace the North and South Islands,
New Zealanders enjoy their beautiful surroundings by spending plenty of time outdoors. Wherever you are, in New Zealand you will not spend more than 90 minutes in a car to go to a paradisiacal beach.
More than 15% of New Zealand families own their own boat, while hiking, camping, fishing and walking are popular national pastimes. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, New Zealanders also go bungee jumping, skydiving, caving,
white water rafting, off-road driving, zip-lining and the unusual “zorb” – rolling down a hill inside a giant clear plastic sphere. If you are interested in adventure or just want to enjoy a walk on the beach, New Zealand has it all
clean, green, healthy
Named the best country in the world for environmental progress, New Zealand has a key focus on environmental sustainability and keeping its territory green and clean.Its national pollution levels are well below the OECD average, while water quality is markedly above average.
New Zealand is often voted one of the world’s healthiest nations, ranking 15th in a recent Bloomberg survey as the world’s healthiest country, and 23rd in the Oxfam Food Index, which determines which country offers the most nutritious food.
Within this second survey, New Zealand ranked in the highest category for quality and quantity of enough food to feed its citizens. With plenty of fresh, local produce available, there’s no excuse not to eat well while you’re there. With the booming agriculture, food and forestry sectors,
food production and quality are key points of national interest in New Zealand; and are responsible for a hefty 12% of GDP.
Quality of life
Who wouldn’t want to live surrounded by happy people? In addition to good environmental performance, New Zealand shows high levels of well-being and overall quality of life, with cities consistently named among the happiest in the world.
Auckland is said to have the third best level of quality of life in the world, according to a recent Mercer survey; based on culture and environment, political stability, infrastructure and ease of doing business;
as well as ranking 10th as the world’s most liveable city in a similar survey conducted by the Economic Intelligence Unit in 2013.
New Zealand also ranked 10th as the world’s happiest country in 2014, according to with the OECD Better Life Index.
Considering the country’s unemployment rate of 6.2% and the bright career prospects for graduates, this is not a surprise. With an improving economy, more than 100,000 jobs are forecast by 2016, with a shortage of key skills in areas such as ICT,
Teaching and Electronics. Additionally, New Zealanders are exceptionally good at maintaining a work-life balance, with 88% of expats having a “relaxed pace of life” in New Zealand, by far one of their favorite aspects of living there.
Ready to experience New Zealand for yourself? Check out the courses available in New Zealand now and kick-start your study abroad planning process!