<p>@emilybee: the people you meet on tour (i know coz i use to be on it) may not necessarily have the same attitude and mindset as regular folks who don’t travel as much. Those who do are generally more open with meeting all kinds of people and learning new things and they have to be, too.</p>
<p>DS in on a plane right now returning from his semester at the University of Auckland. Overall, he had a great experience. He traveled NZ extensively and partook in some of the more, shall we say, hair-raising activities they are famous for. He found the people friendly and welcoming. Many of the Kiwis he met had visited the US and were even able to pick up on his east coast accent.</p>
<p>Academically, with the exception of one course, everything he took was an elective. All of his classes were large lectures with additional tutorials. As was mentioned, grading is different. </p>
<p>He enjoyed Auckland and had only two major complaints: you need to take a bus to the nearest grocery store and the cost of beer. :rolleyes:</p>
<p>If the OP’s D is an animal science major, I’d suggest Massey in New Zealand. I’ve never been to NZ; this is second hand. My understanding is that since NZ is a small nation, most universities don’t offer all courses. Instead, to a certain extent, your choice of major determines where you go–or at least limits the # of universities you can attend. </p>
<p>My understanding is that if it’s animal science/agriculture/pre-vet etc. you want, Massey is the best place in NZ. Here’s is a link re studying there as an exchange student:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/international/exchange/en/study-abroad.cfm[/url]”>http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/international/exchange/en/study-abroad.cfm</a></p>
<p>I just noted that it has an exchange program in this area with Cornell U’s Agricultural & Life Sciences (well…close to that!) and Human Ecology Schools.</p>