Q1. Please introduce yourself.
Hello! My name is Kim Na-yeon, and I am 24 years old. I am majoring in the Global Leader course at Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU). Though many students in my major enter law school, I am double majoring in International Trade to pursue other interests. This year, I’m studying at the University of Auckland (UoA) in New Zealand on an exchange scholarship.
Q2. Why did you choose New Zealand?
When I was 11, my parents suggested I move to New Zealand and study. Of course, I said “YES,” and have lived in New Zealand alone without my parents’ assistance. Over the years, as I thought more about a student exchange program, I yearned to go to an English-speaking country. Therefore, I chose New Zealand, as I was relatively familiar with it. To truly revel in the country, I think I need to spend at least a year there, and fortunately, my parents do too. Thanks to their suggestions and financial support, I can be here for a year.
Q3. Why did you choose UoA?
Auckland is the most prosperous city in New Zealand. There are many amenities, entertainment facilities, and a sizable network between universities. Even if UoA were not the only exchange option in New Zealand, I would have still chosen it. At first, I needed to figure out what to do since there was no shared information about UoA, which was newly added to the exchange school list in 2022. I had to search for all the information myself, including price, dormitory, classes, and nearby facilities. However, as I became more immersed in preparing to spend a year abroad, I felt great excitement and could not wait to depart.
Q4. Is there anything in particular that you want to achieve at UoA this year?
I want to meet lots of new people. Since I am shy around strangers, I tend to get along only with close friends. In New Zealand, however, I’m hoping to make meaningful memories by actively interacting with people who have lived different lives from mine. In particular, the country is famous for rugby. I look forward to watching a live game of the All Blacks, the New Zealand national rugby team.