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University of Waikato

4.6 Rating
5 reviews
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Why choose University of Waikato?

The University of Waikato is a modern and innovative university located in the centre of the North Island. You can be assured you will receive an education that is globally focused, innovative and provides you a dynamic university experience. Our park-like campus in Hamilton provides a vibrant student culture and is reflective of our deep connection to Maori culture.

The Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions offer some of the best tourist attractions in the country, from the Hobbiton movie set to spectacular natural wonders of the Waitomo Caves. Sight-see and explore some of the countries best surf spots of Raglan and Mount Maunganui, and in winter ski and snowboard the slopes of Mount Ruapehu. Auckland City is an easy 1.5 hour commute and the Maori cultural hub of Rotorua is just an hour south of Hamilton.

Add a globally recognised education from Waikato to your resume while you enjoy the best of New Zealand!

Website
www.waikato.ac.nz
Founded
1964
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Diversity & Inclusion 💙

The Rainbow Staff/Student Alliance is a group for staff and students and provides a forum for networking, discussion and progression of takatāpui and LGBTIQ+ issues.
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Neurodivergent support is housed in our wider Accessibility support at the University of Waikato. They are a small dedicated team, with a strong focus on providing a quality robust service that works for the students who engage with us. Our aim is to provide all students at the University of Waikato chances to succeed academically regardless of whatever impairments they may be experiencing and to have the opportunity to have a positive and engaging student experience.
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The University of Waikato is committed to providing equity in education and works to ensure that students with impairments have access to all areas of campus life and the student experience. Our Accessibility Service strives to make our University more inclusive and accessible as well as having equity of opportunity for success.

Although registration is welcome at any time, all students with impairments or support needs are encouraged to register with Accessibility Services before coming to University or very early in their studies.
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Impact 🌎

The United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) underpin all of our activities as an institution, and serve as a valuable framework for how we're addressing some of the biggest challenges facing humanity through our research, teaching, operations and external engagement. Our aspiration is for both a healthy and connected environment and fair and inclusive communities, acknowledging that neither can exist without each other.
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The 2023 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings confirm the University of Waikato is making excellent progress when it comes to aligning its research, teaching, campus operations and engagement to the biggest challenges facing the world today.

The University is 92nd out of the 1,591 institutions ranked by THE worldwide, retaining its place in the top 100.
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Reviews

Default avatar
Danielle
44
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Abroad at the University of Waikato (NZ)

Fabulous

Jun 9, 2020

This is such a fantastic way to learn more about Maori Culture and the great many adventures New Zealand has to offer. Many of their trips to places were organized and unique, like no other place I've been. The Professors are all very helpful and welcoming. Uni Week is a fun/wild time of meeting everybody! Incredible how the University handled the Covid-19 situation and everyone rallied together. The campus is beautiful, and the style of learning is VERY different than America. Very laid back, but when finals hit, they hit hard, so be ready. The best decision is to study here.

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Sophie
26
Canada
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Abroad at the University of Waikato (NZ)

Great place to learn, not only about other cultures, but about your own as well

Oct 8, 2019

I really enjoyed taking Psychology and Māori & Indigenous courses at the University of Waikato for a semester. All the university staff are friendly and helpful. The professors for all my courses were approachable and engaging!
I took MAORI101, MAORI102, MAORI103, and PSYCH202 and would highly recommend all of these courses. Learning te reo and more about the Māori world has been super fun. PSYCH202 was amazing and actually changed the direction I want to go with my degree and what I want to do after graduation.
The campus its self is beautiful and welcoming. I loved going for walks around the lakes and sports fields.
The only thing that I found was a bit lacking was support for any mental health challenges. Everyone who works at the uni is very friendly but it was unclear where I should go to get extra support.
Overall studying at the University of Waikato has been an amazing life changing experience and a great chance to see the world while studying!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would have stepped further outside of my comfort zone and made more of an attempt to make new friends right out the gate!
Sunset over one of the campus lakes
Double rainbow over the Orchard Park Residence cottages
Default avatar
Dennis
35
Male
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Abroad at the University of Waikato (NZ)

Master thesis at University of Waikato

Jul 6, 2016

I was not taking any classes at Waikato, and thus also was not automatically involved in the international students life - but after some start difficulties this was all ok, and i had an awesome time!
New Zealand is an awesome country for an exchange, mostly if you like beautiful landscapes and travelling. It offers some of the most stunning views and most breathtaking hikes i've ever seen. The University itself is good and offers good classes in a nice, familial environment. The city is well situated, but rather calm. No problem for me, i loved my time around here!

What would you improve about this program?
The international office and the student associations dealing with the internationals are doing a good job, but seem to be rather new in the business - and they seem to be missing their own exchange experience. A pity.
Coming to an exchange, help with housing is good, and also with finding classes. This is provided. But i also expected to have some cultural gatherings and, yes, also some organised parties for the internationals. New Zealand has a rather... reserved approach on alcohol, so the Uni doesn't want to be involved with anything party-like. This is very sad, as these gatherings also offer an opportunity to meet new people, and make friends also outside of the typical university atmosphere
Jordan
32
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Abroad at the University of Waikato (NZ)

MN to NZ

Jul 3, 2016

One of the most amazing experiences I had was the beginning of the semester games we played against the other halls. We got to swim in the pool, and play all sorts of games and challenges with our hall and against others. It really brought us all together and made me feel a connection with the kiwis and the university. It was a fun time and I think a great idea to bring people out of their comfort zone and warm up to the change of Uni.

What would you improve about this program?
Stronger Uni-student interaction. More efficient interactions that do occur. More trip offerings (if affordable).
Default avatar
Rebekka
36
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Abroad at the University of Waikato (NZ)

Do it!

Aug 25, 2015

A+ campus in an A+ country where people walk around barefoot and eat spagetti on their toast! Get to know yourself, new people, travel and soak in the culture. Plus interesting papers & helpful staff!

What would you improve about this program?
More low key 'get to know each other' activities for internationals and locals. It can be tough taking the step out there and a little kick in the butt is usually much appreciated (after some time at least!).
Beachday with social games at Raglan, bowling, the leap, pot-lock dinner, share your culture nights, boardgame night and/or championships. Movienights. Speed dating/ friend dating, pokernight, picnic at the field, the list goes on! :) and of course adventure trips like hobbiton, bungi/skydive, caves, maori experiences and such that you had while I was there! :)
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Programs

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Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Alyssa Wolk-Bankier

Program
Study Abroad at the University of Waikato (NZ)
Job Title
International Student Advisor
Alyssa was an international exchange student at the University of Waikato and in a full circle moment, has returned back to support international students at the University. Alyssa is originally from the United States.
Alyssa Wolk-Bankier

Interview

What is your favorite travel memory?

Travelling is what originally sparked my interest in cultural anthropology, which is why I decided to major in the subject when I went to university. However, a stand-out memory when I first visited New Zealand for my study programme was going on a road trip with other exchange students and visiting Gisborne to watch the rising sun. Another is travelling down south to Queensland and hiking around the area and seeing some amazing awe-inspiring nature.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I am working in my dream career role! My motivation for being in the International Higher Education industry was inspired by my own exchange experiences. I knew that others were there behind the scenes supporting me whether it was processing paperwork, finances, or helping at my orientations or my housing. I wanted to help support the student experience and in a sense give back to help others have the opportunity I did studying abroad. I have certainly grown in this role supporting both the administrative and in-person aspects of the student experience. I'm always open for a chat!

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I enjoy hearing from students about their process of re-entry and how they re-adapt to their home culture after having this amazing and impactful experience. While at times it can be so challenging to return home and making sense of your experience, it's amazing to hear where the experience can take you. In my case, back to where it all started - here at the University of Waikato!

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

Well, I did choose to study at the University of Waikato, but if I were able to go on exchange to one of our University exchange partners, I would go to Singapore or Norway. I have heard a lot about Singapore yet have never been. I think it would be neat to be studying and living in a very diverse location. I would also like to study in Norway to challenge myself living in a place quite different from where I grew up.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

I work in a small but mighty team. We have a lot of fun in our office and collaborate a lot in order to support international students studying at the University. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes as well as in person in order to help support the international student experience. Whether it is mulling over spreadsheets or driving students to an event we enjoy the process.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

The neat thing about New Zealand is that our work culture finds a balance between professionalism and being laid back. You will likely find that studying in New Zealand may challenge you in different ways than what you're used to. However, the key to success may actually be in failure. It's about trialling something and making adjustments if the results aren't meeting a standard. Find the balance so things can keep humming along, but be open to change when needed.