<p>Hi, I am an international student attending an LAC. I am planning to study abroad in the first semester of my junior year. Currently, I am looking at Australian National University and University of Auckland. How are these two universities compared to each other?</p>
<p>I am a Political Science and Environmental Studies double major (and also minoring in econ). Things that I consider include: courses on southeast asia/pacific islands, the weather, fieldwork opportunities, travel opportunities, living cost, residential life, and cultural exposure. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Ok I can’t really speak for University of Auckland since I know next to nothing about it.</p>
<p>But Australian National University is a fantastic place for Asia-Pacific studies. They even have a specific Bachelor of Asia-Pacific Studies and offer a wide range of courses. ANU is located in Canberra, about 3 hours bus ride from Sydney & 6-7 hours from Melbourne. Canberra is not as big or cosmopolitan as Sydney/Melbourne, but there’s lots of outdoorsy stuff (parks, hiking, mountain biking, 3 hours from ski fields) and there’s no shortage of bars & student activities as there are a lot of students. Finding a place to rent in Canberra is very difficult and it’s recommended you live in one of ANU’s residence halls. I think all exchange students are guaranteed a spot at ANU’s halls but don’t take my word for this.</p>
<p>Here’s a link to the prices of each hall <a href=“http://accom.anu.edu.au/UAS/3085/version/1/part/4/data/ANUHallsCollegeLodgeFeeSummary2013-updated%202013.pdf?branch=main&language=default[/url]”>http://accom.anu.edu.au/UAS/3085/version/1/part/4/data/ANUHallsCollegeLodgeFeeSummary2013-updated%202013.pdf?branch=main&language=default</a>.</p>
<p>As someone who studied abroad in Sydney, I’d absolutely recommend Australia. You can always visit New Zealand when you travel. I spent some time in Auckland and really liked it, but wouldn’t want to live there.</p>