A new view every weekend
Maxime Le Moal from IPSA (Aerospace Engineering) in France shares how studying at AUT helped him discover New Zealand’s landscapes, culture and people.
Maxime Le Moal
Why I chose to come to AUT in New Zealand:
I wanted to go very far away from France and be in a multicultural country to still have a feeling of being home while discovering whole new cultures. New Zealand is known in France to be a beautiful country with very nice people, and I wanted to know if that was true (it is!). Then, AUT was the only option I had in New Zealand because of the partnership it has with my school.
What I enjoyed most about spending a semester in New Zealand:
Discovering the countryside, the people and the overall culture. Going on a hike every weekend was the highlight of my week as every landscape was phenomenal.
How I found learning in a different academic system:
Learning at AUT was indeed very different from what I knew in France, but it was actually easier overall. I liked the autonomy and the fact that I could really learn a lot by myself while still having lecturers always keen to answer questions.
What I gained from my time in Auckland:
I think that I grew a lot personally. Made mistakes, learned from them, but also learned about myself and I managed to understand better who I am. Now, I see relationships differently and I value much more what I already have.
Top tips for other students
- Before arriving in New Zealand, I was a bit reluctant about living in a student residence but now that’s my number one tip for a student who wants to have fun, make friends and be active
- Always try to say yes to activities and plans with friends. It might seem hard at the beginning especially if you’re someone introverted that likes to stay at home like me, but once you do you rarely regret it
- Budgeting was kind of complicated for me as I really wanted to live the full experience here and therefore, I spent without counting the cost. My best tip is to be careful on where you spend your money. Try to spend a lot of it on activities and trips, but less on going out eating or other superficial activities. Have a limit of what you spend on what type of activity, and don’t hesitate to talk with people that can help you do so
- Lastly, if you go live in Auckland, there are a few places that you must go to in my opinion. First, if that counts as Auckland, is Waiheke Island. The ferry is quite cheap, the trip is fast and you’ll see insane landscapes. Also, I’d recommend going to Devonport and Cheltenham Beach for a quick swim and a nice view of Auckland on top of Mount Victoria
About Maxime and his Study Abroad experience
Home university:
IPSA (Aerospace Engineering)
Home country:
France
Courses studied at AUT:
Introductory Astronomy, Strength of Materials, Engineering Mathematics, Criminology and Criminal Justice
5 favourite things
Favourite place in Auckland:
I loved Mount Eden to see a nice sunset, but I also really liked Auckland Domain to enjoy fun activities with friends
Best dish/food I tried:
I absolutely loved fish and chips. I had already eaten some back in France but never as good as in New Zealand
Most useful thing I packed to take with me:
Walking shoes obviously! Coming to New Zealand without any hiking gear would make no sense (sunscreen would’ve been useful, but I didn’t pack any…)
Favourite thing about AUT:
Everyone is very friendly and so nice
Best trip I took outside of Auckland:
I really enjoyed Waiheke Island and go hiking there, but I think my favourite trip was to Taranaki even with terrible weather