EF Stories: Gijs from the Netherlands at EF Auckland

I had decided to take a gap year after getting my high school diploma. I didn't know exactly what I wanted to study, so a gap year turned out to be the ideal outcome. I wanted to travel during that year, and I knew from family experiences that this was perfectly possible with EF, where they combine the useful with the enjoyable. When I started looking into EF's many destinations, Auckland quickly caught my eye. I was actually quickly convinced that this was my dream destination, and so I started to arrange everything. This went very easily because of EF's good personal assistance, no question remained unanswered. On September 18, the day finally came. I waved goodbye to my family at Schiphol Airport only to meet them again in three months. The moment I stepped on the plane I knew the adventure had begun.

Great residence and educational classes

Soon after I stepped foot on New Zealand soil, I met the relaxed, hospitable New Zealanders. My transfer arranged through EF was already waiting for me and took me to my residence. By now I was very curious about the apartment, and especially about my fellow residents. In both cases, it turned out that I couldn't have wished for anything better. I stayed in a beautiful apartment with room for a total of 10 people. The house had a balcony overlooking the Harbour Bridge. My roommates turned out to be as wonderful as the residence itself. I was included in the group right away and we all went out to dinner the first night. The next morning I went to school, which was only a 5-minute walk away. There I was received just as enthusiastically. We got a tour of the school and the city with all the newcomers and in the afternoon I had my first lessons right away. The lessons were very fun and useful, and you were often active. Very different from the boring working through a book like in high school.

Free time down under style

I actually always had either morning or afternoon classes, and so I had a lot of free time to do other things. I often went to the movies with roommates and classmates, bowling, playing soccer, relaxing in Albert Park, having lunch at the Skytower, or chilling in the lounge at school. So plenty of things to do. On the weekends, I was hardly ever home. There is a lot to do and see in the Auckland area, so we went out often. I went to Devonport, Waiheke, Rangitoto, Hobbiton, Tongariro, bay of islands, and many other highlights. In addition, we all watched in the pub as the New Zealand rugby players beat neighboring Australia, becoming world champions. That was an amazing experience! Everything in New Zealand is equally beautiful, and you go from one "WOW!" to the next.

All in all, it was an amazing experience, and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. I've made friends for life, seen the most beautiful landscapes, and on top of that had an amazing adventure. So don't hesitate, and grab the opportunities EF offers you with both arms!

For questions, please feel free to email [email protected]

Cheers! Gijs Thedinga