New Zealand is a highly attractive option for those seeking to study abroad, due to its high-quality education and diverse cultural experiences.
Studying in New Zealand offers a wealth of cultural experiences for international students.
The country offers excellent work-life balance and post-graduation opportunities. It is also popular for its natural beauty. Even better, New Zealand has been ranked as one of the safest countries in the world!
Additionally, students can also immerse themselves in New Zealand's rich culture by exploring its festivals, food and cultural activities.
If you are an Indian student wanting to study in New Zealand, read more to know the differences between New Zealand and Indian cultures.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- The differences between Indian and New Zealand cultures
- What can Indian students expect from these differences
- How to adapt to the New Zealand culture
Ready to study in New Zealand and explore the cultural differences between India and New Zealand? Let's get started.
India culture vs New Zealand culture: Key differences
Cultural differences
- Food
- Language
- Lifestyle
- Family and social life
- Professional life
Adapting to New Zealand culture
- Making new friends
- Dealing with homesickness
- Exploring food options
- Learning the language accent
- Maintaining study-life balance
- Earning while learning
Aspire to study in New Zealand? Here’s everything you need to know!
Cultural differences
1. Food
Indian cuisine is well known for its flavours and traditions. It includes a variety of traditional vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes with many ingredients and spices. The staple foods include rice, lentils, and bread.
New Zealand's cuisine is abundant with fresh seafood and meats. Classic Kiwi dishes include mussels and tender lamb chops.
In India, meals have an array of dishes and are mostly shared with families and friends. Indian dining is a social event and is mostly held indoors. On the other hand, New Zealand dining is more of an outdoor dining experience
2. Language
India and New Zealand vary drastically in linguistic styles. India has numerous regional languages with different dialects and has various gestures to greet people with respect.
New Zealand's primary languages are English and Māori. English is the predominant language used in everyday communication and education in New Zealand, and it draws primarily from British English. New Zealand English is characterised by its accent, vocabulary, and slang, known as the "Kiwi slang."
Formality is maintained in Indian communication, especially in academic and professional settings, with titles often used to show respect. However, in New Zealand, people interact more casually, addressing each other by first name.
3. Lifestyle
Indian and New Zealand lifestyles exhibit stark differences in clothing, hobbies, activities, and festivals.
Indian traditional attire varies widely across regions, with vibrant colours and designs including garments like sarees, salwar, and kurta-pajamas. On the other hand, New Zealand fashion is more casual and functional, with garments like jeans, t-shirts, and sweaters.
In India, communal activities with family gatherings and festivals are usual events. New Zealand's lifestyle showcases outdoor adventures and nature-based activities like hiking, skiing, and surfing.
Indian festivals are accompanied by rituals and traditional performances. Festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Eid are celebrated for consecutive days. In New Zealand, festivals and celebrations like Matariki (Maori New Year) and the Pasifika Festival showcase the diverse cultures of native music, dance, and art.
4. Family and social life
In India, the practice of extended families and living together or nearby is common.
Respect for elders and family traditions is given importance. Indians often engage in collective activities, be it celebrating festivals, attending weddings, or religious ceremonies.
Social hierarchies and maintaining a good reputation within the community are some major aspects of Indian social life.
New Zealand family life tends to be more nuclear and individualistic. While family remains important, individualism and personal freedom are emphasised, compared to India
Family gatherings and social activities are significant during holidays, but the frequency and scale may differ from the elaborate celebrations in India. Socialising may involve smaller groups.
5. Professional life
Indian professional life is often influenced by hierarchy and respect for authority.
Corporate structures are more formal, with employees addressing their colleagues and seniors using titles. Work-life balance can vary across industries and regions, with long hours and dedication to the job.
Compared to India, New Zealand fosters a more collaborative and inclusive work environment. Colleagues typically address each other by first names regardless of their position.
Additionally, New Zealand's work culture emphasises on work-life balance, with flexible working hours.
Adapting to New Zealand culture
1. Making new friends
Making new friends with students from New Zealand is a great way to adapt to their culture! Studying in New Zealand allows you to meet people from around the globe and opens doors to new experiences. Studying abroad by yourself may be difficult, but with a group of friends, your experience can be much better.
Friends can make you feel better mentally and even help you with your studies. Moreover, studying with friends is a great way to get work done and socialise. You get to meet people from various parts of the country and learn more about New Zealand culture.
Also read: How to make new friends when studying abroad
2. Dealing with homesickness
Adapting to New Zealand culture not only eases homesickness for Indian students but also enhances personal growth. Learning about the local lifestyle brings comfort and familiarity to their new surroundings.
Connecting with fellow students, engaging in extracurricular activities, and participating in community events can help Indian students feel better. This becomes a crucial support system during moments of homesickness.
3. Exploring food options
Food is an integral part of socialising in New Zealand, and adapting to local cuisine helps to get into New Zealand social circles.
Shared meals create a relaxed environment for conversation, helping students to initiate conversations and build connections. Exploring markets, trying regional dishes, and engaging in conversations about food become opportunities for cultural exchange.
4. Learning the language accent
The English accents vary across New Zealand depending on location and are quite different from each other. Understanding lectures, participating in discussions, and engaging with peers become easier.
Whether engaging in casual conversations with students and native people, participating in social events, or networking for future opportunities, learning the New Zealand English accent makes adapting to New Zealand culture smoother for Indian students.
5. Maintaining study-life balance
A healthy study-life balance is crucial for Indian students to adapt to New Zealand culture.
Engaging in extracurricular activities or joining university student clubs and sports teams is a great way to adapt to New Zealand culture and have a healthy balance between study and personal life.
Many universities have international student societies and clubs to welcome all students. This balance contributes to a better academic journey for Indian students.
Spending time with people and engaging in social activities helps Indian students to get along well with New Zealand culture.
Also read: What’s student life like in New Zealand?
6. Earning while learning
By actively participating in internships and part-time jobs, Indian students not only gain practical skills and work experience but also become familiar with the New Zealand work culture.
Internships and part-time jobs also help in earning money and saving the costs of living, thus reducing financial stress. Part-time jobs and internships also serve as networking platforms, enabling Indian students to interact with professionals and peers. By adapting to the New Zealand work culture, Indian students will have a better overall experience in their study abroad journey.
Also read: Your step-by-step guide to finding an internship abroad
Get ready to study in New Zealand
At Edvoy, we pride ourselves on simplifying the study-abroad process for students. With comprehensive guidance, we'll assist with
- Finding the ideal study abroad program in New Zealand
- Selecting universities with connections to global industries
- Navigating the application process for both studies and internships
- Overcoming challenges like visa requirements and language barriers
- Maximising the learning, cultural immersion, and long-term career benefits
Explore the culture and education of New Zealand with our platform.
Edvoy helps you turn your aspirations into a global education journey, making your decision process seamless. Discover the perfect institution to boost your educational experience.
Start your study abroad journey with Edvoy. Get in touch with a friendly Edvoy Counsellor and download the app today.
India culture vs New Zealand culture: Your questions answered!
We've collated answers to commonly asked questions to assist you in your study abroad journey. Find your answers below!
How is New Zealand different from India?
New Zealand differs from India culture-wise in food, language, lifestyle (clothing, hobbies/activities, festivals), family and social life, and professional life.
How is life in New Zealand for Indians?
New Zealand offers many benefits in terms of lifestyle for Indians. These include high salaries and employee benefits like paid leave or vacation time, health insurance, etc. New Zealand also offers multicultural diversity for Indians in terms of food, and language.
Is it worth moving to New Zealand from India?
Yes. New Zealand has emerged as a leading destination for international students seeking high-quality education and diverse cultural experiences.
The country’s education system is among the best in the world, and its universities are renowned for their research excellence. New Zealand also provides multiple job opportunities for Indian students post-graduation. The country has a strong economy with stable growth.
Why do most Indians move to New Zealand?
Indian students often prefer studying and moving to New Zealand for several reasons:
- World-class education - New Zealand is home to many top-ranked universities renowned for their academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and innovative teaching methods.
- Diverse range of programs - New Zealand universities offer a wide variety of programs and majors, allowing students to choose fields that align with their interests and career goals.
- International exposure - Living and studying in a culturally diverse environment exposes Indian students to different perspectives, lifestyles, and cultures, fostering personal growth and adaptability.
- Quality of life - New Zealand offers a high standard of living with modern amenities, healthcare facilities, and a safe environment, making it an attractive destination for Indian students seeking a comfortable and secure lifestyle.
- Career opportunities - A degree from a New Zealand university often opens doors to global career opportunities. Many Indian students aspire to work in multinational companies or pursue further studies or research on an international scale after completing their education in New Zealand.
- Post-graduation work opportunities - New Zealand provides graduate visas for students, allowing them to gain work experience after completing their studies.
