Auckland 2006-2007

Introduction

New Zealand lies in the Pacific ocean, some 2000 kilometers south and east away from Australia, separated by the Tasman Sea. Made up of two major islands, north and south, covering 250,000sq.km (just larger than the British Isles), the population currently lies just above 4 million people (much less than the British Isles).

This means it is a country full of unspoilt surroundings, from mountains to glaciers to beaches to forests and back again, there is much to be seen. Auckland is the largest city with a population of 1.3 million, but even then, it is no more than an amalgamation of four smaller cities, each quite distinct and apart from each other.

Auckland University is the country's largest and highest ranked university, coming in the THES world rankings in the top 50. It is situated in the most 'central' district of Auckland City, although there are several campuses outside of this area.

The exchange program plants you in the centre of the school year in July. Being in the southern hemisphere, both the school year and the seasons will be the opposite, and will take some getting used to. What it does mean is that you will get a summer holiday over the Christmas period from November to the end of February, so you can use this time to either travel home or explore the country (my recommendation).

Useful links:
New Zealand Wikipedia Entry
Auckland City Website
University of Auckland