Benjamin Peter, Victoria University of Wellington

What did you study in New Zealand?
I studied Linguistics under the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

What did you like most about the Victoria University of Wellington?
I love how highly ranked the school is. It’s one of New Zealand’s best Universities and globally, is ranked among the top 250 universities in the world. I also like the fact that the school is open to international students from diverse countries. Students from over 100 countries school there.

What did you like most about Wellington?
Despite being the capital of New Zeeland, I like how welcoming Wellington City is. From the people to the food, landscape, and weather, it felt no different from home. The city is walkable and one can get to class on foot, bike, or public transport. The transport cost is also very affordable.

Did you face any kind of a ‘culture shock’ when you arrived?
Not at all. They have friendly people, and the culture is somewhat similar to what is obtainable in Nigeria. For example, they have different markets for different days, and that’s also obtainable in Nigeria.

What do you miss most about New Zealand?
I miss the beautify arts in the city. I used a lot of the city sculptures and murals as beautiful background for my youtube videos.

Do you have some tips to save money while studying abroad?
Studying abroad as a Nigerian, very little pressure is on you from family to send home money. It is best to use that opportunity to save and reinvest at home. Schools abroad allow part-time work and with many African students schooling on full or part scholarships, and with support still coming in from home, it would be wise saving what you earn working with your spare time.

How do you think you have benefitted from your study overseas?
First, I’ve been able to meet, interact and blend with people from various countries. I’ve also made friends and connections to people of many countries. But above all, I’ve been exposed to the best of study tools, lectures and facilities which has shaped me greatly.

What advice would you give to a Nigerian student travelling abroad to study for the first time?
Keep calm and try as much as you can to believe that wherever you are is still home. Doing that will help you feel relaxed. Try as much as you can to connect with everyone you come across. Those friendships will do you a whole lot of good in future.