Not long ago, few people knew about New Zealand. This small island country bathed by the waters of the Pacific gained popularity as the setting for the films in the “Lord of the Rings” series. However, the nation is much more than its lush landscapes, and studying in Wellington, its capital, is a great option.
Although its history has only just begun to be written, the city is an excellent option for people looking for adventure and adrenaline, without giving up a good dose of culture.
Do you want to escape the obvious and choose a different study destination? Keep reading this article and check out the top reasons why Wellington is the right place for you to take this exciting new step. Good reading!
Wellington: discover the city
The territory of New Zealand is divided into several islands, the main two being: the South Island and the North Island. Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is located at the southern end of the North Island.
The city is home to several different styles and is able to please both those who enjoy the busy life of large centers and those who seek a quieter life. Filled with parks and leisure areas, it is also a good option for families.
Its geographical location is privileged and enables great economic and tourist gains for the city. In addition, it is thanks to this that the destination is known as “Windy Welly”, or “Wellington Ventosa”, for the most intimate. Due to the strong winds, the climate is considered mild and comfortable throughout the year, without extreme cold or heat.
1. Great schools and universities
Care with education is a benefit of Wellington, which has one of the best education systems in the world. The city has top universities in New Zealand such as Victoria University of Wellington and Massey University. Both have an excellent worldwide reputation and are among the top 100 programs in the world.
If a university education is not in your plans, there are several options for vocational courses, which prepare you for the job market. And don’t worry if your English isn’t advanced enough for an undergraduate course, as the city has several options of reputable schools, which teach the language from basic to advanced levels.
2. Lots of job opportunities
New Zealand is one of the few countries where international students can study and work at the same time. In addition to helping with expenses, the job improves your English and you meet new people. In Wellington, there are many temporary jobs, especially for people who go there with their days numbered.
Students who enroll in courses lasting a minimum of 14 weeks at Level 1 schools under the New Zealand Qualifications Authority are entitled to work. For level 2 schools, the student will need to attend a minimum of 24 weeks and have a minimum IELTS score of 5.5. In both cases, it is allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
3. High level of security
One of the main reasons to study abroad in Wellington is its safety. According to a survey by Deutsche Bank, which analyzed around 60 cities, it was considered one of the safest places to live in the world. Its low crime rate is the result of a constant monitoring program carried out by the police through cameras.
In addition to crime, its health system is considered good and there are few endemic diseases. Despite the possibility of earthquakes, the city is prepared for any emergency situation that may happen and has an excellent infrastructure.
4. Various options for cultural attractions
Studying in Wellington is not just about classrooms. There, learning also takes place on a daily basis, as the city is famous for being a cultural hub full of attractions, such as the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, which tells the history of the country, the Maori culture and its art.
In addition to the museum, Old St Paul’s Cathedral is an unforgettable tour. It is an Anglican church made entirely of wood, built between 1865 and 1866, in neo-gothic style. It is also possible to visit the New Zealand Parliament – affectionately called the Beehive, because it looks like a beehive, which has free guided tours of its interior.
5. Diversity of ethnicities
Although very far from us, New Zealand has a history parallel to Brazil. The Maori people were the first to arrive in New Zealand territory, which later served as a British colony. Because of this, the country has a huge mix of races and, today, Wellington is considered a capital of the world, welcoming people of different ethnicities.
Currently, around 70% of Wellington’s population declares itself as European, 14% as Asian and 7% as Maori. The rest of the numbers are home to diverse ethnicities, such as people from other regions bordering the Pacific, Latinos and Africans.
6. Various leisure options
Wellington offers the best of both worlds: in addition to having several possibilities for outdoor leisure and contact with nature, the city has a rich nightlife and several establishments that guarantee fun.
Therefore, there is no lack of options for leisure. Among the most popular alternatives, we can mention the Cable Car (a cable car that leaves every ten minutes and passes through several places, such as the Botanical Garden and the Cable Car Museum), Mount Victoria and the Te Papa Museum.
Do you see studying in Wellington is an amazing option? The city is very well located and has tours that appeal to Greeks and Trojans. Thus, it is possible to combine the useful with the pleasant and have fun with the countless alternatives of leisure and cultural attractions that the destination offers while you study.