Policies and Procedures
Check this page regularly! Information will be updated throughout the semester.
To stay on track, use the self-check at the end of each phase.
Your main point of contact is your Program Manager. You can find additional contacts such as on-site staff in the contact section.
———– START PHASE ONE ———–
Apply to the University of Auckland: Due SEPT 25
Even though you’ve been provisionally admitted to the BU Auckland Study Abroad Program, you still need to apply to the University of Auckland. You cannot complete the University of Auckland application until you hear from their Study Abroad office (studyabroad@auckland.ac.nz).
Applying to the University of Auckland
IMPORTANT: You must submit the below materials in order to be enrolled in the University of Auckland, who will then send your “Offer of Admission” letter, which you will need to include with your visa application. Late submission of materials will delay the production of your Auckland materials, and could result in delayed visa issuance.
Apply to the University of Auckland Online (follow instructions for Applying for Exchange):
- Apply to the BU Auckland Study Abroad program & become provisionally accepted.
- Get Nominated to the University of Auckland.
- After you have been provisionally accepted, your Program Manager will nominate you to the University of Auckland.
- Receive the invitation to apply from the University of Auckland Study Abroad team.
- This will come in an e-mail.
- Apply for the University of Auckland Exchange Program:
- Provide proof of English Language proficiency
- You are exempt from providing proof if you are a citizen of Canada, Ireland, Singapore, The United Kingdom, or the USA.
- Please follow the Application guide for students. There is a also a step by step-by-step guide on the University of Auckland’s website.
- Provide proof of English Language proficiency
- Students are responsible to upload the following documents with their online application:
- Certified Copy of passport front page which is signed and stamped by your home university, or emailed to us directly from your home university.
- You can get a copy of your passport signature page certified at the Dean of Students office on campus.
- Certified Copy of passport front page which is signed and stamped by your home university, or emailed to us directly from your home university.
OR
-
-
- You can email a copy of your passport to your program manager Megan DeBolt to be sent to the University of Auckland.
- Copy of academic transcript in English, including all courses you have completed and are currently taking.
- Please note an unofficial transcript is acceptable but your name must be displayed on the document. BU Students: Go to your student link, go to the Academics tab, select “Transcript Preview and Ordering,” once you get to your Transcript Preview, right click and select “Print…”, select Destination, Change, Save as PDF, save and then upload to your online application.
- Upload an ID card photo at: https://campuscard.auckland.ac.nz. For photo requirements, please refer to the website.
-
Please make a copy of all forms submitted for your records.
We recommend students check their application status approximately two weeks after submitting all application materials by signing into the online Application.
After applying to the University, you should receive an offer of admission to the University. You must accept your offer of place before you can register for courses (see Phase 2).
Submit Your Housing Questionnaire: Due OCT 10
Please submit the Housing Questionnaire by October 10th.
Students will have to submit a separate application for University of Auckland accommodations. Please know that you can apply for accomodations even if you have not received your offer of acceptance. In fact, it is strongly encouraged to submit your accomodation application early.
Note that the university will still accept applications and attempt to place a student in on-campus accommodation after 10 October; however, placements requested after this date cannot be guaranteed and will be made based on availability.
Please see here for information on housing options.
Submit Your Visa Application: Due NOV 10
Please read this section VERY carefully. New Zealand is extraordinarily strict about its visa application requirements. Your application may be denied or significantly delayed if you do not follow the instructions carefully.
WHAT TYPE OF VISA AM I APPLYING FOR?
You are applying for a Fee Paying Student Visa. Citizens of any country can apply for this visa, and it will allow you multiple entries into NZ, and to stay and study in the country for up to 6 months.
WHEN SHOULD I APPLY FOR MY VISA?
The deadline for submitting your application is November 10. Failure to apply for the visa by this time could result in rescinded admission to the program.
Prior to applying for your visa, make sure that your passport will be valid at least six months past the date you plan to leave New Zealand (U.S. State Dept. recommends 6 months).
Once submitting your visa online, processing time is up to three months (97 business days). Please note that you cannot submit your visa application until you have completed your “University of Auckland Application” (Phase 1), and received your “Offer of Admission” letter. Students should apply for their visas as soon as they receive the letter, so it’s important to read all of these instructions and begin assembling your visa information so that when your letter arrives, you’re ready to apply online.
No visas are required for a NZ citizen, a NZ permanent resident, an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR MY VISA?
To apply, you must submit the following:
- High-quality color copy of your passport photo page
- Also include all pages with visa records, and entry & exit stamps.
- Check requirements here.
- Passport Sized Photo(check their requirements)
- Fees:
- This visa is free for US citizens, but you may have to pay a NZD $35 ($21.81 USD) International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy.
- Non-U.S. citizensshould consult theNZ Embassy’s Fee Calculator to find the visa fee for your country of citizenship. Dual citizens should consult the program manager with questions.
- Evidence of financial support
- You will need to show that you have funds equivalent to NZ$1,667 per month that you will be in New Zealand. There are two options:
- Option 1: You can include your own bank statement, if it shows a lump sum covering the dates of the program (USD $1038.95 per month). If you cannot show a lump sum in any bank account (and any kind will work), you can use a combination of a bank statement and a credit card limit.
- Option 2: Parent/guardians can fill out aFinancial Undertaking for a Student Form (INZ 1014), proving a lump sum sufficient to cover the student for their time in New Zealand (NZ$1,667 per month). As part of this form, parent/guardians must provide:
- Evidence of their relationship with the student
- Evidence that you have sufficient funds for maintenance, outward travel and maternity health
services (if required) for the student you wish to support for the duration of their intended stay in New Zealand - A copy of the identity page(s) of your passport or an identity document
- You will need to show that you have funds equivalent to NZ$1,667 per month that you will be in New Zealand. There are two options:
- Offer of Admission Letter
- This letter will be e-mailed to you from the University of Auckland. See “University of Auckland Application” tab in Phase 1 for more info on how to obtain your Offer of Admission letter.
- Flight itinerary (round-trip)
- Make sure the itinerary includes your full name and itinerary – or show that you have financial means to book a round trip ticket.
- Non-US Citizens: Notarized photocopy of your US immigration document(s).
- You must provide evidence of your immigration status in the US (e.g. notarized photocopy of your I-20 or green card). DO NOT send original documents; notarized photocopies are fine.
Generally it is a good idea to make a photocopy of all application materials for your records.
WHERE DO I APPLY?
You will submit your visa application and supporting documentation online. You will create an online account, then select “Student Visa” for your visa application. By selecting “Student Visa”, it means you are applying for the Fee Paying Student Visa. You can follow the Auckland Visa Application Example when filling out the visa application.
HOW DO I CONTACT NEW ZEALAND IMMIGRATION?
New Zealand Immigration Contact Information
Please Note: This information has been prepared by Boston University Study Abroad based on the most recent information provided by the relevant immigration agency (E.G. consulate, embassy, etc.). It is each student’s responsibility to compile and apply for their visa based on their specific citizenship. Visas are granted by foreign governments only, Boston University does not play a role in visa issuance, nor can we influence immigration policy. While we do our best to keep instructions as up-to-date as possible, visa requirements are subject to change without our knowledge. Ultimately obtaining a visa in a timely manner, and related costs incurred, are a student’s responsibility. Failure to acquire a visa will preclude participation in the program.
Complete the Phase 1 Self Check
Have you completed everything in Phase 1? Here is a self-check to make sure you’re on the right track. Make sure you’re keeping track of any upcoming deadlines and budgeting enough time to complete them on-time. If you missed a deadline, be sure to check in with you Program Manager and complete that task right away.
You should have completed:
- Submitted the University of Auckland Application – SEPT 25
- Submitted the Housing Application- OCT 10
- Applied for your Visa – Nov 10
———– END PHASE ONE ———–
———– START PHASE TWO ———–
Complete Your Course Selection Form: Due DEC 1
Although you already submitted an Advisor Support of Participation form as part of your application, you may adjust your course enrollment plans as you learn more about your program. Be sure to do so in consultation with your academic advisor, especially if your courses were pre-approved. You should determine, preferably prior to the start of the program, the precise degree requirements these courses will fulfill. It is your responsibility to research how the courses taken abroad apply towards your overall academic requirements and progress toward your degree. Visiting students should be certain you understand how courses you take with BU Study Abroad will transfer to your home institution.
IT IS RECOMMENDED TO GET AT LEAST 6-8 COURSES APPROVED BY YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISOR IN CASE THERE ARE TIMETABLE CLASHES OR CHANGES IN COURSE OFFERINGS.
- University of Auckland full Course catalogue.
- Detailed course description / syllabus (Digital Course Outlines)
- Understand that some courses have limited or restricted enrolment for Exchange/Study Abroad students. For a full list, check ‘course options’ on the website.
HOW TO ENROLL IN COURSES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND:
After you’ve successfully registered with the University of Auckland online, and received your “Offer of Admission” letter, you are ready to enroll in courses.You MUST accept your offer of admission in order to participate in course enrollment.
Here is the guide for accepting the offer, and enrolling in courses:
University of Auckland Enrolment Guide
You should accept your offer of admission and begin enrolling in courses immediately, as courses may fill up. We recommend that you finalize your registration by December 1 for the best chances of receiving your place in a course and/or resolving any issues with enrollment prior to Intersession.
Please see the University of Auckland’s list of deadlines for enrollment (scroll to the bottom to see the chart).
Searching for courses:
Course schedules are published and enrolments are open on 1 November for the subsequent year (so November 1st, 2024 for Semester 1 and 2 2025).
Brief course descriptions as well as information on course prerequisites and restrictions are available in the course catalogue. More detailed course descriptions (syllabi) are accessible at the University Digital Course Outline. The outline in the Digital Course Outline includes the course description, learning outcomes, assessment methods, method of delivery and more.
The course levels of University of Auckland courses are easily identifiable by their three-digit designators. The Stage I courses usually equate to 200-level courses in the US, the Stage II courses equate to 300-level course in the US, and so on. Course codes that begin with 6 or 7 are graduate level courses and are generally not available to undergraduate students.
Please take note of the following:
- Ensure appropriate course availability. The course you want must be offered during the semester you will be there. In your search, if the course does not appear, it is not offered, or it may be full.
- If you are studying abroad in a BU Spring semester, then you will want to look for Semester 1.
- Note the class number and the related class number you want for any applicable labs, tutorials, etc.
- You will be able to check for timetable clashes once you are registered and have access to the University of Auckland online system.
- Be sure that you have the appropriate prerequisites. In most cases, you will have the prerequisites for Stage I & II courses if you have done any coursework in a particular field of study. If you wish to take a Stage III course you may have to prove to the relevant department that you have sufficient background in the subject to qualify for the course. Plan to bring a full transcript of your coursework to date with you, or be certain to have online access to your updated transcript.
Courses not available for study abroad students:
- Courses offered in Medicine, Surgery, Pharmacy, Nursing and Optometry
- Courses running for the whole academic year, e.g. PSYCH 308A and 308B (except students enrolled for the whole academic year – February to November)
- Law courses are available for Law-majoring students except Part IV Advocacy, Mediation and Negotiation; non-Law majoring students may have a limits to courses they can take
- 100-level courses in Fine Arts, Architecture and Planning (unless you are majoring in one of these subjects at your home university)
- BUSINESS 111, 112 and 202
- PROPERTY 103
- Graduate School of Management courses running on a quarterly basis e.g. BUSACT, BUSADMIN etc.
- Courses ending with the letters F or H, e.g. HISTORY 91F or MAORIHTH 14H. These are foundation year courses and not appropriate for Exchange students
- Stage I Engineering courses (ENGGEN 115, ENGGEN 121, ENGGEN 131, ENGGEN 140, ENGGEN 150, ENGSCI 111, ELECTENG 101, CHEMMAT 121) except for those ending in G
- POLICY 702
Courses with limited enrolment availability:
- Courses ending with the letter G, e.g. PHYSICS 107G
- Psychology and Drama stage II and III courses
- 700-level Finance and Accounting courses
Please note: Your courses will not appear on your BU transcript until after the program has ended and grades are reported.
Independent Flight Form: JULY 1
All students that choose to book an independent flight are required to submit travel plans to BU Study Abroad. Once you have confirmed your independent travel, you must submit the independent flight form by July 1st.
Please keep in mind that late arrivals and early departures are not permitted.
BU International Travel Registry: All study abroad students will be registered for the BU International Travel Registry. This tool provides information on your program site and sends travel alerts for your location throughout the semester. You will each receive a pre-departure email with more information.
Consider airport pickup: Due a week before departure
Airport pick-up is free if you apply for it online at least a week prior to your arrival in Auckland. Information about airport pick-up and a link to the application form are provided in your offer of admission letter
Review Flight and Arrival Information and Book Your Flight: Deadline DEC 1
FLIGHTINFORMATION
There is no suggested group flight for this program, so each student will book their own travel to and from Auckland. All students are required to submit a copy of their flight itinerary to the Program Manager for our records. Keep in mind that late arrivals and early departures are not permitted.
You are responsible for securing your own transportation to your residence in Auckland. The University of Auckland offers free transportation from the airport, but students must sign up for this at least five days in advance from arrival.
Arrival Info: You should plan to arrive at the University of Auckland for orientation by the morning of February 24. The first day of classes is Monday, March 3. Students may arrive anytime before orientation within the dates outlined in your housing accommodation contract. You will have to alert the University of Auckland Accommodation Office if you wish to arrive early. Official orientation and arrival dates will be sent to you by email from the University of Auckland.
Return Info: Final exams at University of Auckland last until the end of June. Please book your return flight for early July, so that you can be sure you will be present for all of your final exams. The program ends on June 30.
Once you have confirmed your independent travel, you must submit the independent flight form in Phase 2 by December 1.
Pre-Departure Meeting - DEC 7
PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING
A required pre-departure meeting for all students will take place in-person on Saturday, December 7th. Participation details, including the schedule and location, will be emailed by your Program Manager. This orientation will include important information to prepare you for your semester abroad and will also give you time and space to meet the other students studying in your program. Students who are not in the Boston area will be able to join via Zoom. A Zoom link will be shared via email prior to the pre-departure meeting to those who do not attend BU.
All students are required to participate. This meeting is intended to give you an overview of daily life, culture, health and safety, and academics on your program. You will also have the opportunity to ask your Program Manager any questions about what to expect as you prepare for your time abroad.
For those students that are unable to make the specified time, please email your Program Manager.
Please also note that this meeting is intended for participants of the program only. Due to FERPA (Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act), parents/guardians are not permitted to attend this session. We do, however, encourage you to share relevant information about the program with your parents, as we understand that they may be curious about what to expect from your experience abroad.
Complete the Phase 2 Self Check
Have you completed everything in Phases 1 and 2? Here is a self-check to make sure you’re on the right track. Make sure you’re aware of any upcoming deadlines and budgeting enough time to complete them on-time. If you missed a deadline, be sure to check in with you Program Manager and complete that task right away.
You should have completed:
(From Phase 1)
- Submitted the University of Auckland Application – SEPT 25
- Submitted the Housing Application- OCT 10
- Applied for your visa – NOV 10
(From Phase 2)
- Register for classes at University of Auckland – DEC 1
- Submitted Independent Flight Form – DEC 1
- Attended Pre-departure Meeting – DEC 7
———– END PHASE TWO ———–
———– START PHASE THREE ———–
Billing: Deadline Early Dec. for BU and mid-Jan. for Non-BU
BU Students:
The Spring 2025 payment deadline will be early December. You will use the StudentLink “Money Matters” tab to view and pay your bill, as usual. Any questions regarding your bill or making payments should be directed to BU Student Accounting Services at studenta@bu.edu.
Non-BU Students:
'Being You' Abroad: Personal Identity and Cultural Perceptions
Identities Abroad
As you prepare for your study abroad experience, you’ll want to consider aspects of your identity and how these may be perceived and treated in the culture you’ll be spending time in. You may encounter varying and even opposing perceptions of your identity, which could include your gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, ethnicity, and possibly several others. Although some of this will be covered in your on-site orientation, we encourage you to do some research into social norms, cultural mores, and local practices before your program begins. We want you to participate as much as possible in the host culture and should be prepared for the experience, which can be both personally challenging and rewarding.
Explore our resources for understanding how your experience may be impacted by your identity(ies).
Additional Resources
Voting Abroad
Voting Abroad
Don’t use studying abroad as an excuse not to vote, there are many resources that make it easy. Plan ahead and make your voice heard.
Boston University is partnered with TurboVote (bu.turbovote.org) – an online platform that makes sure you know when elections are happening and have the information you need to vote. Once you sign up, you can get registered to vote, apply for your absentee ballot, and receive election reminders through the site. Get started with TurboVote now!
Here are some other great resources that make it easy for you to vote while you’re abroad:
- Overseas Vote Foundation
- Vote From Abroad
- Department of State – official absentee voting information
- Voter Registration Deadlines by State
If you are not registered to vote yet make sure you check your local state deadlines to register online. Registering to vote online is quick and easy!
Banking Abroad
PM provides text specific to banking and how students will access funds/pay for things in host city; this is not about budgeting. All should include paragraph below.It’s essential that you call your bank and credit card companies to let them know you’ll be studying abroad. You’ll need to tell them what country (or countries) you’ll be visiting, and the dates you’ll be away. If you don’t let them know, they may freeze your accounts, assuming your card has been used fraudulently. When you call your bank, you should ask them about the fees you may incur when using your debit/credit cards internationally.
If you currently speak to your parents every day, for example, you may want to try and schedule a call every few days while you’re abroad. Some students make plans where they schedule a call every Tuesday and Thursday, or once a week on Sundays – whatever works for you! Remember that the best plan is one you can stick to.
If you’re going to be traveling, let your family know how long you’ll be gone, and where you’re going so they don’t worry if they don’t hear from you for many days. It’s also important that they know where you are for emergency communication purposes.
You should download some of the free communication apps prior to departure and help those with whom you’ll want to communicate to download them as well. Test them out together, so everyone knows how to use them. Examples are: Zoom, Facetime, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, LINE, etc.
You may experience some differences locally; for example, wi-fi at residence can be spotty, fewer public wi-fi spots, etc.
Mobile Phones & Internet Access
Communication With Home
Most students who study abroad find that they are in less regular communication with their friends and family back in the US (or their home country). You’ll have a new routine, friends, commute, and a new time difference to account for. Because you’ll want to share your experiences with your loved ones, we recommend you consider the following before departure.
Packing List and Tips
PM provides text. Information on why they may want to pack certain things can be included in the “dress” section of the In-Country Guide. This is really just a straightforward list of what, and what not to bring.
Withdrawals: Deadline FEB 16
Have You Changed Your Mind?
If you are considering withdrawing from your Study Abroad program, please thoroughly review the Boston University Study Abroad Policy on Refunds. Please keep in mind that at any time after your admission to the program there may be non-recoverable costs associated with withdrawing from the program. Examples of non-recoverable costs for which you may be financially responsible may include, but are not limited to, charges related to housing, flights, academics, internships, or program-related activities.
It is important to note that the program starts on February 24 and is more than 12 weeks long . The last day to notify our office in writing of your withdrawal prior to being responsible for a portion of the program fee is February 16. Please contact your Program Manager and abroad@bu.edu if you decide to withdraw or have additional questions.
Complete the Phase 2 Self Check
Have you completed everything in Phases 1 and 2? Here is a self-check to make sure you’re on the right track. Make sure you’re aware of any upcoming deadlines and budgeting enough time to complete them on-time. If you missed a deadline, be sure to check in with your Program Manager and complete that task right away.
Complete the Phase 3 Self Check
Have you completed everything in Phases 1, 2 and 3? Here is a self-check to make sure you’re on the right track. Make sure you’re keeping track of any upcoming deadlines and budgeting enough time to complete them on-time. If you missed a deadline, be sure to check in with you Program Manager and complete that task right away.
You should have completed:
(From Phase 1)
- Submitted the University of Auckland Application – SEPT 25
- Submitted the Housing Application- OCT 10
- Applied for your visa – NOV 10
(From Phase 2)
- Register for classes at University of Auckland – DEC 1
- Submitted Independent Flight Form – DEC 1
- Attended Pre-departure Meeting – DEC 7
(From Phase 3)
- Called your bank and credit card companies to let them know you’ll be studying abroad.
- Decided what your plan is for a mobile phone number abroad.
be sure to get it unlocked at least a week ahead of departure. - Made a reasonable communication plan with your family and friends
- Settled your Boston University Student Account – Billing Deadline
- Reviewed your packing list and purchased any essentials
- Read your “In-Country Guide”
———– END PHASE THREE ———–
———– START CONTACT ———–
Program Contacts
As you prepare for and embark on your study abroad experience, you will be in contact with various staff members from BU Study Abroad, both in Boston and abroad. To avoid missing important information, please add “@bu.edu” to your address book. Please keep all emails in a folder for your reference as you prepare for your semester abroad. Here are the names and email addresses of some people who will be in touch with you this semester, and/or whom you may want to contact with questions.
Boston-based Staff
Megan DeBolt, Program Manager – Megan will be your primary contact during the application and pre-departure process.
University of Auckland-based Staff
Sherry Fan & Abi Penaliggon – Expect emails from studyabroad@auckland.ac.nz and please add them to your contact list.
———– END CONTACT ———–
———– START CALENDAR ———–
Tentative Academic Calendar
The Spring Auckland Program runs from February 24 (depart U.S. on February 22) to June 30.
| Orientation | Mon. 24 Feb 2025 |
| Classes Start | Mon. 3 March 2025 |
| Mid-Semester Break | 14 April – 25 April 2025 |
| Exams | Thurs. 12 June – Mon. 30 June 2025 |
| Semester Ends | 30 June 2025 |
Neither late arrivals nor early departures are permitted. We urge students to not make any weekend or mid-semester break travel plans until they arrive on site and receive the finalized course and program schedule. During the semester, students must fulfill strict attendance requirements and will be very busy with classes, program activities, and assignments. If family and friends plan to visit, please schedule trips to take place before the start of on-site orientation, during a scheduled program break, or after the semester ends. The first and last weeks of the program are critical to students’ success and will require your full attention. By timing visits to coincide with scheduled program breaks, you can meet attendance requirements and take full advantage of your study abroad experience.
———– END CALENDAR ———–
———– START GUIDE ———–
[--- In-Country Guide ---]
1. Get To Know New Zealand
History, Geography and Politics
Background
New Zealand has a rich history as an original settlement of the Maori people who arrived from Polynesia between 950-1130 AD. Not unlike the history of the US, European explorers started arriving in the 17th and 18th centuries, causing much bloodshed between the Europeans and the Maori. The British ruled as colonizers until they finally grew tired of the violent battles and receded in 1870. New Zealand does not have an “official” date of independence, but they have come to celebrate “Waitangi Day” on February 6. Read more about New Zealand’s history here.
Geography
New Zealand is a part of Oceania, the islands of the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia.
The islands come to about 2x the size of North Carolina:
Population: 4,438,393 (July 2015 est.)
Nationality: New Zealander(s) or “Kiwis”
Government
New Zealand is a parliamentary democracy (New Zealand Parliament) under a constitutional monarchy and is a Commonwealth realm. The current Prime Minister, as of January 25 2023, is Mr. Chris Hipkins.
Local news, readings and culture
Local News/Useful Websites:
Strongly Recommended Reading (can be purchased off Amazon)
Prior to arrival in Auckland, all students should read the following texts as preparation for SS 315 Aotearoa-New Zealand History, Society, and Politics:
- King, Michael, The Penguin History of New Zealand, Penguin, 2003.
- Sinclair, K., Oxford Illustrated History of New Zealand, Oxford University Press, Auckland, 1992.
- Walker, R.J.I. Ka Whawhai Tonu Matou: Struggle Without End, Penguin, 1990.
Films
- Once Were Warriors
- The Piano
- Whale Rider
- An Angel at My Table
- In My Father’s Den
- The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
- 2
- Sione’s Wedding
- Eagle vs. Shark
- The World’s Fastest Indian
- Daily Life
Food & Dining
Each housing has different dining opportunities. You can find out more by looking at the University of Auckland's Accommodation website. Some of their housing that is titled "Full-Catered" have some kind of meal plans added to the housing. This housing typically is held for students early in their academic career (First year or Second year students). "Self-Catered" is most common in their housing - which is where students will make their own food.
If you prefer not to prepare your own meals in your suite or in the community kitchen, Auckland has a fantastic variety of ethnic, continental, and seafood restaurants. Many of these are within easy walking distance from the residence – downtown, at Princes Wharf, and at Viaduct Harbour. You will want to make sure to set aside a night or two per week to explore some of the excellent dining opportunities around town.
Housing
Students will have options of living in different housing! You can find more information on the Auckland accommodations page.
Dress
When packing, remember that the Northern and Southern Hemisphere seasons are reversed. Because your stay in New Zealand will span at least two seasons, bring clothing that will serve for both very warm and cold weather. New Zealand gets its share of rain, too, so pack a raincoat and shoes that work well in inclement weather. If you plan to go “tramping” on some of the country’s world-famous tracks, we recommend a pair of sturdy hiking boots. New Zealanders tend to wear dress shoes and casual shoes as opposed to sneakers and running shoes when going out, so you may want to plan accordingly. Make sure whatever footwear you bring is comfortable, because you will do your share of walking around campus and beyond.
You can bring fewer clothes if you remember color coordination and layering. Bring items that coordinate with others and include lightweight windbreakers and shells as part of your travel wardrobe. Auckland is full of adventure clothing and wool outlets, which will give you the opportunity to purchase any outdoor wear that you do not already own.
Helpful Language Tips, Phrases and Greetings
*Maori/English word translator http://maoridictionary.co.nz/
The following are some examples of useful
words and phrases, both in English and in
Maori, all of which are in common usage.
advert – TV commercial
bludge – to be lazy, to slack off
bugger all – very little, not much
bush – forest, woods
capsicum – bell pepper
crook – ill, sick
duvet – quilt
entrée – appetizer
full on – intense
haere rä – Maori for goodbye, see you
hoon – rough person, gang member
iwi – Maori for ethnicity, tribe, people
jersey – sweatshirt
jumper – sweater
kia ora – Maori for hello
koa – Maori for please
kumara – sweet potato
lift – elevator
lolly – candy
marae – ground, Maori meeting house
mobile – cell phone
Pakeha – non-Maori person
push bike – bicycle
suss out – investigate, look into
ta – thanks
tino pai – Maori for very good
togs – swim suit
trolley – shopping cart
trundler – shopping cart
waka – Maori for canoe
whinge – complain
your shout – your turn to buy a round
zed – the letter z
- Student Life
Facilities
Students may use the facilities of UofA , including student health services, gyms, etc.
Textbooks
You do not need to purchase textbooks before arriving in Auckland. What you spend on books will depend to a large degree on the courses you choose to take at the University of Auckland. In general, you can expect to spend in a range comparable to what you would pay for a semester’s books at your home university, or a bit less.
You will be able to purchase any books or materials you need when you arrive in Auckland.
Academic Culture
- Money Matters
Banking and Currency
Currency
New Zealand currency operates on the decimal system, with 100 cents equalling one NZ$. Coins come in 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-cent pieces, as well as $1 and $2 denominations. Bills (referred to as notes) come in $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 denominations. Each denomination is a different size and color for easier identification.
Cash for Arrival and Departure
It is a good idea to have some New Zealand currency with you when you arrive in Auckland. Also, any time you leave New Zealand there is a departure tax of NZ$25 charged at the airport. Other countries in the region also charge departure fees. In New Zealand you may pay your departure tax with a credit card if you wish.
Banking and Money Management
Banking costs in New Zealand are high; most banks charge monthly account-keeping fees and a fee for each withdrawal, and they pay little or no interest. Since most US checking and savings accounts are accessible via ATMs in Auckland, your best option for managing money might be to withdraw funds directly from a US account via the ATM when you need cash, and pay for all other purchases with a credit card.
Your US bank will probably charge between $2 and $3 for each ATM withdrawal, and funds will be exchanged on withdrawal at the going rate of the day. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in New Zealand, even for small purchases at coffee shops, the post office, and convenience stores. American Express is accepted less widely, but American Express cardholders may cash personal (US) checks for a fee at any American Express office.
Tipping
Restaurant workers do not work only for tips in New Zealand, so do not feel obliged to leave a tip when paying your check. If the service was excellent, leaving a 10% gratuity is more than generous and your waiter or waitress will certainly appreciate it. Tipping taxi drivers in New Zealand is not a common practice.
Read more about tipping culture in New Zealand here.
Auckland On a Budget
It is possible to study in Auckland without “breaking the bank.” With going to such a beautiful, outdoorsy location, you’ll be able to find many activities to keep you busy without spending much. Check out the Top 10 free things to do in Auckland.
- Traveling
Local Transportation
Your university housing will be within walking distance to your university. You should visit the University of Auckland's accommodations page to learn more!
Personal Travel
New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and you will want to take every opportunity to get out and see it. Prior to arriving in Auckland, take some time to read about the many destinations and activities available to you and make a list of those you want to fit in during your time in New Zealand. Because time to travel will be relatively short during the semester, look over the semester calendar, identify some likely travel dates, determine what your budget can bear, and be prepared to make travel bookings for some of your destinations shortly after your arrival in Auckland. Plenty of travel planning assistance will be available to you when you arrive in the country as well.
Do not plan travel that conflicts either with course work. Severe penalties will be assessed for unexcused absences from courses.
- Staying Healthy
What To Do If You Get Sick
If you fall ill during your time in Auckland, your first thought may not be to check-in with your health insurance. Luckily, your on-site staff are great resources and will be able to tell you which local doctors you could visit that are covered by HTH.
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
It will be very possible to maintain a healthy lifestyle while in Auckland. There are many local gyms that you could join:
Since you have a full kitchen, you will have the opportunity to go grocery shopping and make healthy meals. Many students on the program like to cook together. This could be a great opportunity to try out Kiwi recipes!
Health and Culture
New Zealanders tend to be quite active, so this could be an opportunity to learn a new sport and embrace the adventurous lifestyle! Some popular trends in New Zealand:
- Rugby
- Hiking
- Snorkeling
- Camping
- Kayaking
- Staying Safe
Local Embassy
U.S. Consulate General in Auckland
3rd Floor,
Citigroup Building,
23 Customs St, (cnr. Commerce St)
Auckland 1010
Phone: +64 9 303 2724
Email: aucklandacs@state.gov
Keeping Yourself Safe In Auckland
Call 111 in emergencies. In New Zealand, the number to call if you need the Fire service, Police or an ambulance in an emergency is 111. You can call this number on a mobile phone even if the phone is out of credit. The operator will ask you which service you need and connect you to the right service.
- "Being You" Abroad
Personal Identity and Cultural Perceptions
Identities Abroad
As you prepare for your study abroad experience, you’ll want to consider aspects of your identity and how these may be perceived and treated in the culture you’ll be spending time in. You may encounter varying and even opposing perceptions of your identity, which could include your gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, ethnicity, and possibly several others. Although some of this will be covered in your on-site orientation, we encourage you to do some research into social norms, cultural mores, and local practices before your program begins. We want you to participate as much as possible in the host culture and should be prepared for the experience, which can be both personally challenging and rewarding.
Explore our resources for understanding how your experience may be impacted by your identity(ies).
Additional Resources
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The Fine Print: Policies and Procedures
Academic, Disciplinary and Financial Standing
Boston University Study Abroad reserves the right to rescind admission to or continuation in any program if an applicant’s academic or disciplinary record is not satisfactory. Boston University students placed on expulsion, academic suspension, or residence separation are not eligible to participate for the duration of the sanction. Deferred separation status will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Non-Boston University students are expected to verify their eligibility to study abroad with their home institution.
In addition, your Boston University student account must be in good standing. University policy requires the withholding of educational services, including participation in a BU Study Abroad program from any student whose financial obligations to the university are due and/or unpaid.
Students’ Responsibilities While Abroad
In completing your online pre-departure forms, there are a number of terms and conditions that you have agreed to by your electronic signature. In addition, some policies are stated on our website and linked below. We suggest that you review the following with your family, parent/guardian or other interested party:
- Student Declaration (includes a link to the Boston University Policy on Refunds—also below)
- Participation Confirmation
- Housing Agreement
- Assumption of Risk, Waiver of Claims and Release of Liability Form
- Attendance Policy
- Course Load Policy
- Housing Policy
Policy on Refunds
All students should thoroughly review the Boston University Study Abroad Policy on Refunds. This policy applies to all students and should be thoughtfully read when considering a withdrawal from a program. If you have questions, please contact our office.
Privacy Notice
All students should review the Boston University Study Abroad Privacy Notice.
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