⊙ By Danielle Ortiz-Geis

說說留學新西蘭

⊙ By Danielle Ortiz-Geis

The Essentials before Studying Abroad in New Zealand

Before flying to thisscenic[風景優(yōu)美的]and lesser-visited studyabroad[海外]destination, here are ten things you need to know before studying abroad in New Zealand.

1. You’ll Need to Pack for Chilly[寒冷的]Weather為冬天做好準備

The thing about New Zealand is that oftentimes you can experience all four seasons in a day. When preparing for your journey to the “l(fā)and of the long white cloud,”make sure to pack sweaters, a rain jacket, and layered everyday wear.

As it’ssituated[坐落在]in one of the most mountainous regions in the world, expect to experience weather that typicallyranges[變動]from the 10s to low 20s throughout the year, with a chance of rain. New Zealand weather also tends to be cooler in the south than in the north, and the coldest time of the year there is between June and August.

Something important to keep in mind is that the higher the altitude, the cooler the temperature, which means you’ll need to pack warmer clothing for your hikes and outdoor activities outside of the city limits.

2. Getting a Maori Tattoo[紋身]Might Be Offensive[無禮的]玩毛利紋身未必是好事

Some people createscrapbooks[剪貼簿], while others getsymbolically[象征地]inked[用墨標記的]overseas. Whatever form of art you choose, just be aware of the possibility of offending the locals.

In Maori culture, getting tattooed is arite of passage[人生的重要儀式]and an honor. Individuals with tattoos (called “moko”) are looked upon as knowledge holders ofthetribe’s[部落]traditions,rituals[儀式], and language.

3. There Are Only Eight Universities in New Zealand這里只有八所大學

Given its size, you might be surprised to learn that there are only eight universities in the whole country, expanding across the two islands.

Students looking toimmerse[沉浸]themselves in a “state university” type feel similar to big schools in the U.S. can choose from Auckland University of Technology, University of Auckland, Massey University, University of Otago, or Victoria University of Wellington. These universities range from 17,000-33,000 students.

For more of a private university feel, students can consider Lincoln University, University of Waikato, or University of Canterbury, ranging from 3,000-12,000 students.

4. There Are Scholarships You Can Apply助學金幫你忙

Do you want to study in New Zealand for free or at a low cost? Scholarships help students a lot financially as they help reducetuition[學費]costs. Many scholarships for international students are offered by the New Zealand Government, other governments, educationalinstitutions[機構]andphilanthropists[慈善家].

5. The Cities Are Bustling[繁忙]熙熙攘攘的城市生活

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is the southern-most capital city in the world. Here, you’ll find the governmentheadquarters[機關總部]like theParliament[議會]andSupreme Court[最高法院], as well as many big businesses, universities, and culturalhubs[中心]such as museums, operas, ballets, and archives.

Auckland, located on the North Island, is the biggest city in New Zealand. To date, Auckland also has the largestPolynesian[波利尼西亞的]population in the world. A city of two harbors, surrounded by hilly rainforests, Auckland was recently named one of the world’s most livable cities, according to the Economist’s World’s Most Livable Citiesindex[指數]from 2015.

Of course, there are other cities in New Zealand to visit or live in, including Christchurch in Canterbury, Hamilton in Waikato, Tauranga in Bay of Plenty, and Napier-Hastings in Hawk’s Bay.

6. You Can Enjoy New Zealand Without Breaking the Bank留學新西蘭并不貴

Currently, 1 USD isequivalent[相當于]to 1.38 NZD, but there are several ways to keep money in your wallet. Typically, a meal should cost you less than $15, and many program options include meals with host families. Several day nature exhibitions can sometimes cost ahefty[相當多的]fee, but usually a day hike at a national park is free, as well as camping, unless otherwise stated.

Cities tend to be expensive, no matter what country you’re in, but Auckland and Wellington have tons of free cultural events, festivals, and oftentimes discounted student entrance fees to museums.

7. Get Ready for a Different Type of BBQ不一樣的燒烤

Are you a fan of open fire BBQ? Then you’ll loveKiwi[新西蘭人]cuisine! Consisting of fresh vegetables and local farm to table meat, food in New Zealand is healthy, organic, and tasty.

For special occasions such as festivals and other cultural events, Kiwis will sometimesdivert[轉向]to their Maori roots by cooking traditionally by using Hangi techniques, by digging a hole in the ground, heating up stones, and slow cooking everything directly in the firepit[坑]. It’s totally safe and adds an extracharred[烤炙的]flavor to the food.

8. How to Deal with Money理財輕松事

Before you go to New Zealand, be sure to let your credit card company and bank know that you’ll be gone (as you should with any international trip). Some cards, especially those with chips, won’t require this, though.

Oh, andtipping[小費]? Because most workers in the service industry earn a livable wage, tipping is not mandatory, nor is it expected. In smaller towns throughout the country, many individuals earn their living through tourism, so tipping is stilloptional[可選的]in those cases.

9. Kiwis Take Rugby Seriously英式橄欖球是大事

You know how Americans get super excited for Fantasy Football season? Now imagine that, but with rugby in New Zealand.

It won’t be uncommon for you to see games on at bars, restaurants, or generally anywhere public for that matter. A great way to connect with Kiwis is to read up on the sport so that you know what you’re watching, who you’re watching, and when you should cheer orboo[喝倒彩].

1 0. You Can Study Abroad in New Zealand in High School, College, or During Gap Year[間隔年]留學新西蘭選擇多

High schoolers and college students alike can choose from a variety of programs, ranging from summer, semester, and full-year exchange, to short term multi-country travel and study experiences.

You can take classes alongside local students and learn about the history,indigenous[原住民的]language, ecology, and local social and political issues of the country. To become more immersed in the Kiwi life, students can live with a host family as well, and college students can live in a dorm with other students from New Zealand.

If, at the end of your semester, you want tostickaround[逗留]for awhile, you can also apply for a working holiday visa in either New Zealand or Australia and spend up to a year working.

So now that you’ve gotten thegist[要點]of what you need to know about studying abroad in New Zealand, start packing for your immersive Kiwi experience!CY