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Taking on the Challenge

How is studying in New Zealand unique

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Study in New Zealand Congratulations on taking this big, but exciting, step of moving from your own familiar world to a foreign one. This coming year will involve new experiences and personal growth—you will learn new ideas and new ways of thinking. At Victoria University, you will also have the opportunity to make new friends. You will share your culture and learn about other cultures too. Try to make full use of the opportunities available.

During the first few weeks in this new study environment, you will possibly suffer study and culture shock. You might feel very lonely, confused, frustrated, unsure, tired, or disorientated. You might feel you will never succeed in this new educational environment. Hear what students say about the challenges of coming to university.

A number of factors may impact upon your experience of culture shock. These factors include whether you have lived away from home before, previous exposure to other cultures, current living arrangements and support networks, contact with those from home, your expectations, and how you look after yourself. For those who have come from a Western culture the differences may not be so big, but you may still experience culture shock.

Try not to worry too much about these feelings. They are quite normal!

Watch the video on how studying in New Zealand is unique.
Different lifestyles and cultures 10 image_header 335310 2016-11-17T15:41:14-08:00
New Zealanders might have a different lifestyle to yours. Watch this video where International students from different countries talk about a typical day as students at Victoria.

Watch the video on how studying in New Zealand is unique.

Some Malaysian students made a list of interesting characteristics of the Kiwi lifestyle. Here is their list:
- Kiwis eat rice with a fork instead of a spoon. They brush their teeth after breakfast. They don’t rinse their cutlery after scrubbing it in hot water filled with soap. (Note: detergents are biodegradable in New Zealand. You won’t die from them!).
- Marmite/Vegemite does NOT taste like chocolate.
- The 21st birthday is celebrated as a big event by kiwis.
- Kiwis like to hassle each other, and that usually forms the basis for friendship. (Teasing someone is often a way of being friendly!). They walk barefoot (without shoes) around town, but they wear their shoes indoors.
- Kiwis are interested in rugby, tramping, cricket, reading, TV, music, and movies.
- Most kiwis are shy and prefer it if you approach them first. And, finally, space and privacy are important to most Kiwis.
Different approaches to learning Watch the video on how studying in New Zealand is unique.

Our own culture shapes how we learn, think, and teach. Some cultures prefer conserving knowledge whilst others prefer to question knowledge. New Zealand students are expected to question knowledge.

Educational environments with a conserving attitude believe knowledge is established in the past and cannot be questioned. In order to do well in tests, students are expected to repeat everything they have learned in class and read in textbooks. Teachers in
countries with a conserving attitude expect students to listen and learn without asking questions.

Educational environments with a questioning attitude believe that what students learn in textbooks and classes should be questioned. Students are expected to think critically and form their own opinions. This is done by questioning, analysing, and evaluating ideas and information. At postgraduate level, students will be required to do even more of this.