We’re not surprised that the 2011 Mercer Quality of Living Survey ranked Auckland third in the world for quality of life. With beautiful volcanoes and lava flows, a dynamic mixture of European, Asian, and Pacific Island influences; friendly residents; and breathtaking coastal views, you’ll fall for Auckland’s tropical charm.
You directly enroll in the University of Auckland, a prestigious research university that has courses in more than 150 disciplines. The University has a wealth of options in Maori Studies and has a Marae (Maori sacred ground) on campus, indicative of not only Auckland’s diversity, but also its strong ties to the indigenous Maori heritage.
Auckland will also be your classroom. Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum to learn about the country’s past. Attend one of Auckland’s many cultural events to learn more about the people of Auckland and their traditions. Learn about Auckland’s diverse geography from the Auckland Volcanic Field to the isthmus that Auckland is on. Everything you do and see will be part of your international education.
We want you to feel at home in Auckland, so we will do everything we can to help you integrate into life in Auckland. We encourage you to take advantage of the University’s numerous clubs and organizations—many of which include sports and outdoor activities—where you will meet New Zealand students who share similar interests.
These dates are preliminary and are subject to change. Students should not book flights according to these dates.
BEFORE NOON
IES Abroad’s mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. That is why we partnered with the University of Auckland.
The University of Aucklandwww.auckland.ac.nz The University of Auckland, founded in 1883, is the only New Zealand member of the prestigious Universitas 21, a global consortium of major universities engaged in research, academic exchange, and quality benchmarking. With more than 39,000 students, including more than 4,000 international students from 76 countries, the University fosters a diverse and challenging academic environment. In 2010, the University of Auckland was the only university in New Zealand included in the top 200 universities in the world list by The Times Education Supplement. The Association of Pacific Rim Universities Performance-based Research Fund also ranked the University first in New Zealand with the greatest number of A-rated researchers in the country.
The University is centrally located in the heart of cosmopolitan Auckland, and covers an impressive 16 hectares of land. The city campus has easy access to the cultural and commercial amenities of the country’s largest city, while harbor views and nearby parks add to its attractiveness. The IES Abroad program is run out of the International Office, conveniently located on campus near the library in Old Choral Hall.
Courses You directly enroll in courses at the University of Auckland, where classes are offered on a point system. A course load of 60 points per semester is defined as full time. IES Abroad awards credit units based on the number of points assigned by the University of Auckland. A 15-point course carries 4 IES Abroad credits, a 20-point course carries 6 IES Abroad credits, and a 30 point course carries 8 IES Abroad credits. You may take a maximum of two 100-level courses each semester.
You carry 16 IES Abroad credit hours per semester and may not under- or overload. Disciplines available to IES Abroad students are listed below.
Further information about course content and availability can be found on the University's course advice and information page.
Arts Ancient History, Anthropology, Art History, Asian Studies, Chinese, Classical Studies, Comparative Literature, Cook Islands Mäori, Creative Writing (limited availability), Criminology, Croatian, Dance, Development Studies, Drama, Economics, Employment Relations & Organization Studies, English, English Writing, Ethics, Ethnomusicology, European Studies, Film, TV & Media Studies, French, German, Greek, History, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Languages and Literature, Latin, Latin American Studies, Linguistics, Mäori Studies (Te Wänanga O Waipapa), Medieval & Early Modern European Studies, Music, Music Education, Pacific Studies, Philosophy, Polish, Political Studies, Public Policy, Russian, Samoan, Social Science for Public Health, Sociology, Spanish, Tongan, Women’s Studies, Writing Studies
Business (AACSB-Accredited) Accounting & Finance, Commercial Law, Economics, Information Systems & Operations Management, International Business, Management and Employment Relations, Marketing
National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries (may require additional application materials) Architecture; Dance Studies, Fine Arts, Music, Planning
Education Education Curriculum, Education (Professional)
Engineering Chemical and Materials Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Engineering Science, Mechanical Engineering
Law Environmental Law, Various other disciplines (limited entry)
Medical and Health Sciences Health Sciences, Medical Sciences, Nursing, Population Health
Science Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Geophysics, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Sport & Exercise Science, Statistics
Theology Biblical Studies, Christian Thought & History, Practical Theology
Not all subjects are offered every semester/year and some faculties offer year-long classes only. In addition, there may be enrollment caps in certain disciplines, and many upper-level courses require prerequisites. Contact your IES Abroad Representative if you have specific questions regarding courses.
The University of Auckland offers many opportunities for you to pursue field study in many academics areas, especially Archaeology, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Geology, and Marine Science. Courses exploring Maori culture also include important field study.
Even though you’re directly enrolling in one of our partner universities, there’s something IES Abroad wants you to know: we’re here for you if you need us.
Advising Choosing and directly enrolling in courses abroad can be confusing and overwhelming. This is why we offer you predeparture advising that’s specific to your needs. Our goal is to provide support and guidance throughout your application and enrollment process.
But our advising services don’t stop there. While you’re in Auckland, our staff is available to help you transition into your new home.
Support The support services we offer IES Abroad direct enrollment students are specifically designed to help you achieve your study abroad goals as effectively and smoothly as possible. We know studying abroad is an adventure, and, at times, you may need help or just someone to talk to—that’s when our staff will be there for you.
On-Site IES Abroad Staff & Facilities As an IES Abroad student enrolled in the University of Auckland, you have access to an on-site IES Abroad staff member, who is specifically dedicated to your student needs, and is based within the University. Whether you have questions about academic requirements, housing, or well-being and safety, the IES Abroad Program Coordinator is available to fully support you. Our staff member in Auckland will accompany you throughout orientation, as well as the IES Abroad field trips and cultural events. Because of the close relationship IES Abroad has with the University of Auckland, students benefit from unique academic, social, and cultural opportunities.
As part of IES Abroad’s direct enrollment services, we offer well-located, comfortable housing for all students because securing housing independently can be challenging. IES Abroad’s housing options reflect the local student culture and meet our safety and security standards.
Halls of Residence – Live at International House or at Huia Residence. Both residence halls are unique community living environments where students of diverse backgrounds interact. These halls provide a single bedroom for each student, organized social activities for free or for a nominal fee, and free tutoring and course assistance. They are located within a 15-minute walk from campus. Meal plans vary by residence hall. Free broadband Internet access is available. Huia Residence has a strict alcohol-free policy in the residents’ rooms and in the public spaces.
Past students have strongly recommended this housing option because of the many opportunities for integration with Kiwi and international students, and have commented on the positive atmosphere created by the building management. A membership to the recreation centre is included for students living in university accommodation. Places in halls of residence are limited and not guaranteed, so be sure to apply early, clearly stating your reasons for choosing a particular housing option.
Homestays – This is the best way for you to get to know the “real” New Zealand, and to experience the fullest cultural integration possible. You have a private room and receive up to 16 meals per week. Placements are available throughout the city and surrounding suburbs. The database of homestay options is extensive enough to meet a wide range of student requests. You can have up to a 45-minute commute to campus, but the opportunity to live with Kiwis is well worth it.
Apartments – The student apartments, such as Parnell Student Village and Unilodge are fully furnished apartments that differ in size and number of occupants. The costs of electricity, gas, and water are included in the accommodation fees. All apartments are self-catered, which means you cook for yourself.
You have free access to broadband Internet through the University ResNet system. The commute time from the apartments to campus ranges from a 10- to 30-minute walk to campus or a 20-minute bus ride, and all are located in the city. A membership to the recreation centre is included for students living in university accommodation.
Living in an apartment offers a high level of independence and is a good option if you want to be able to cook for yourself. The apartments primarily house international students from the United States and other countries.
Part of making you feel at home in Auckland is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it is an orientation program that makes you feel prepared, teaches you about emergency services on campus, housing that is well-located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services. This is just one of the things we’re known for.
IES Abroad Orientation Designed specifically for direct enrollment students, the IES Abroad orientation program gives you the opportunity to get to know your fellow students and IES Abroad staff, explores academic differences between the United States and New Zealand, and introduces you to the program, the University, and to Auckland. The program commences with a special North Island orientation and overnight field trip. Past highlights have included traveling to the Waiheke Island and staying overnight on a Marae, where students learned Maori haka, crafts, and cultural traditions.
Additionally, CORE™, IES Abroad’s Comprehensive Orientation & Re-entry Experience, begins during orientation and continues throughout the semester with activities focusing on cultural adjustment, goal achievement, and preparing for the return home.
University of Auckland Orientation The IES Abroad orientation is followed by the University of Auckland international student orientation and general orientation for all new students. Run in part by students, the program provides insight into Kiwi (local) student culture and helps you integrate into university life. The program also provides an official university academic orientation that further introduces you to the facilities and services at the University of Auckland, such as academic support, sport groups, and social opportunities.
University Clubs & Events While you’re in Auckland, joining a social or sports club is a great way to meet Kiwi students. You have access to the University amenities including libraries, cafés, health services, art galleries, a theater, and a recreation center. The Auckland University Student Association has more than 100 cultural, interest, and sports clubs and societies.
The University of Auckland also offers optional field trips at a reasonable cost to other parts of New Zealand, such as Wellington and the Southern Alps, and routinely hosts cultural events and guest lectures for the general student body and for individual courses.
Additionally, Auckland hosts more than 300 events a month including international sporting events, and cultural events such as Pasifika and the Chinese Lantern Festival. You can always find an event to suit your interests.
Although your adventure begins in Auckland, our mid-semester field trip to Rarotonga, one of the Pacific Islands, provides contrast to and context for what you are learning in Auckland. You share a portion of the cost with IES Abroad.
RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS 5–7 Days Explore the mountainous island and white sand beaches, visit local institutions such as a primary school or perhaps an animal shelter, learn outrigger canoe paddling, and witness firsthand the island nation’s political and education systems and the place of song and dance in everyday life.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Auckland! Whether you need advice about your courses or help deciding what to bring on your field trip, our IES Abroad staff in Auckland will be there to support you.
Andrew BarronIES Abroad Program Coordinator A proud New Zealander, Andrew Barron has a joint appointment between IES Abroad and the University of Auckland's Centre for Continuing Education. Prior to this position, Andrew has worked for the University of Auckland in a number of roles focused around international education. That experience, plus his studies in Linguistics and English Language Teaching, have had great effect on his work. He believes in the benefits that international education brings to students’ personal and vocational development and is proud of the various opportunities that an overseas experience in New Zealand has to offer.
Faculty IES Abroad students are taught by University of Auckland faculty.
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