While the level of academic excellence is consistent between any college in Australia, Fiji and New Zealand, students are well served researching the institutions, the programs offered and the location before deciding upon any one school. Much like choosing a university at home, finding a good fit requires some matching what is needed to what is offered.

Evaluating the Schools

In Fiji, New Zealand and Australia, colleges have a distinct culture of their own, as is the case with any university. Students interested in studying abroad, as a result, should consider the size of the school, average class size, teaching style, etc. The goal is to match the ‘vibe’ of any school with the student.

To determine whether a particular New Zealand college or a school in Fiji or Australia is a good choice, students should consider how their learning style, personality and preferred environment needs are met by it. If a student feels more comfortable in smaller classes, for example, focusing on smaller colleges in Australia or the other countries that provide this environment is best.

Using the school itself as the initial criteria for evaluating a college in Fiji, Australia or New Zealand helps to narrow the options and focus your search.

Research the programs

After identifying the desired environment and culture of a New Zealand, Fiji or Australia college, the next step is to determine which offers a program that meets your academic goals. In some cases, this may be clear cut, determining whether or not an ecology program is offered, for example. Students with more specialized academic needs, however, need to identify which Australia college or other school provides relevant programs with a more finely-tuned focus. Some schools offer unique, specialized programs not available at other colleges in New Zealand or even in the region. This can be a deciding factor depending upon a student’s academic goals.

Consider the location

In addition to the school and the program, the location of a college in Australia, New Zealand or Fiji should be given some consideration as well. Some are situated in major cities, while others are located in smaller communities. Some are near the region’s spectacular beaches while other Australia and New Zealand colleges are further inland. The location of a school can effect the type of programs offered, but it can also effect how well it meets a student’s needs.

The experience of studying abroad most certainly is an academic experience first and foremost, however, it is also a cultural life experience. Students need to consider how well a college’s location meets their needs from this aspect as well.

By taking considerations of the university, program and location into consideration, it becomes easier for students to identify which college in Fiji, New Zealand or Australia is the best fit. The better a school fits the student’s needs, the more positive the experience of studying abroad will be.

Studying abroad as a college student is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Not only do you get to experience the educational system of another country, but you also get to discover new cultures and lifestyles that you never knew existed!

One of the toughest decisions that you’ll have to make is choosing a location for your study abroad experience. What I have discovered is that most students are happiest with their decisions when they choose a country that matches their personality. For example, someone who likes to stay inside and read books or watch T.V. will not want to go to a country like Australia because it’s notorious for its native wildlife and beautiful surroundings. It would be a travesty to shut yourself indoors when there are kangaroos and koalas outside calling your name to come out and play!

What I have done is listed some overseas locations to visit that would match your personality so you can find a place that you’ll actually enjoy to being in.

The Intellectual

If your life revolves around the constant input of information and the excessive output of philosophical ramblings, then England or France is your best choice. You can visit museums in England dedicated to Shakespeare or marvel at the tomb of Napoleon in France. And as you stroll through the lush vineyards in France or view the Tower of London, you will always find someone else to talk to who’s as interested in history, politics and culture as yourself.

The Life of the Party

If you are known to always bring happiness, laughter or wackiness to the room, then Ireland is the best place for you to visit. Ireland is not only the homeland of Guinness, a tasty beer that is a favorite of Americans everywhere, but it is also a great place to see historical castles and botanical gardens. Show others how you can be the King or Queen of the castle when you visit the lively country of Ireland!

The Food Connoisseur

If you are the type of person who carefully plans, prepares and executes a dinner, or who savors every bite of a meal, then Italy is the place for you! Where else can you find extended Italian families who spend days preparing for a feast and then spend even longer to enjoy it? If you are passionate about food and love to learn new recipes, then a trip to Italy should be in your itinerary!

The Artist

If you love to express yourself through your art or your writings, then Spain is the perfect study abroad location for you! Spain is home to two of the greatest artists of all time, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali. Their works influenced entire movements, and they remain icons even today. You can discover for yourself why the great author Ernest Hemingway called Spain “the last good country left.”

The Explorer

If you love the smell of fallen rain, the sound of bustling rivers or the chirping of birds, or you just like to explore undiscovered territories, then Australia is your treasure trove! Australia is a massive spread of land that is home to some of the world’s most beautiful animals and terrains. It is definitely a destination for the person who doesn’t mind getting a bit dirty!

The Enlightened One

If you are very into being in touch with your inner self and your surroundings, then a study abroad trip to Asia will be a great choice for you. Whether you go to China, Japan, India or Korea, you will be around a society of people who believe in the absence of negativity and the appreciation of their heritage and culture. It is a great trip that will not only connect you to other people, but also to yourself.

Of course there are many other personality types, but I think these are the major ones that most college students fall into. You know yourself better than anyone else, so be sure to choose a study abroad destination that will not only provide you with a good education, but also a valuable cultural exchange that you can learn from and share with others.