Maximise your experience
Set goals for your future success
Being an international student is a very exciting time, and there are lots of ways to make the most of that time here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Students who have a positive and productive experience here try new things, set achievable goals, make time to meet people, and step out of their comfort zone. If there are challenges along the way, it is important to remember help and support is available.
By making the most of every opportunity, you’ll make friends, learn new skills, build personal and professional networks, and gain valuable experience that make your time in New Zealand enjoyable and successful.
Identify your goals
Setting goals gives you a clear focus and a plan to succeed in life – personal, study and career goals. Personal goals include things like your health and fitness and making new friends.
Study goals include completing your course of study and career goals include getting a job you want and developing the right skills for your future career. Remember, there are lots of small things you can do to work towards bigger goals.
Here are five goals that students identified as the most valuable to help maximise their experience.
Goals to create during your time in Aotearoa
Get a part time job
Do you want to get career experience, meet new people or learn about New Zealand workplace culture? Whatever your answer, here are a few things you can do to get that part time job!
Improve English language skills
Do you know there are small things you can do every day to improve your English language skills? You'll be surprised at how much you can achieve in a short amount of time.
Learn about Māori culture
Do you know Māori culture and language are essential to the identity of modern day Aotearoa, New Zealand? Learn how our indigenous culture shaped our past and inspires our future.
Make new friends
Do you want to meet people to share experiences and have fun with? There are some easy things you can do today to start building relationships.
Live like a local
What does 'live like a local' mean to you? Finding cool places to eat, knowing clever ways to save money or feeling at home in your new city or town? Whatever your answer, here's a few things you can do to make progress – fast!
Studying in New Zealand taught me the skills of living in another country in which I can apply if I decide to work abroad someday… it also helped me discover my passion for travelling and I have now made it a goal of mine to incorporate more travel into my life.
Liz Stein — US study abroad student studying speech therapy at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch.
Be proactive and seek support
Studying in New Zealand might be different to what you are used to. For example, you will be responsible for managing your own learning and the teaching style might seem informal. You will be encouraged to ask questions and discuss topics in class.
Your education provider is there to help you. Find out more about preparing for study in New Zealand.
Look after your health and wellbeing
To succeed in your studies and enjoy your time in New Zealand, it’s important to stay well, both mentally and physically
Remember, it is ok to admit if you are feeling lonely, homesick or depressed and to seek help when you need it. To find out more about staying happy, healthy and safe, check out these suggestions.
Engage with your community
Arriving in a new country is both exciting and challenging. At first, everything can seem unfamiliar and strange, but there are lots of things you can do to make sure you settle in, find your way around, and make new friends. Find out how to participate in student life.
Build skills to increase your employability
A key reason you are studying is to help you succeed in your career, and you can start doing this as soon as you begin your studies. Consider these strategies and tips to increase your employability, learn work skills, and meet people who can help you in your career.
Related pages
Stay well, stay connected
Living away from home and family is an exciting time for many international students, but it can be a challenge too. During the COVID-19 pandemic we all learnt so many new things, including how to better look after our health and wellbeing. This is still really important. and this page has information and resources to help you stay well and stay connected.
Making Friends in New Zealand
Personal well-being and mental health are very important to a healthy life. Find out how to stay happy, healthy and safe as an international student in New Zealand.