In this episode, I talk with a Sri Lankan PhD student at the University of Auckland about his life and experiences in New Zealand. 🇳🇿 We dive into first impressions, culture shocks, and the differences he felt after moving from the UAE to New Zealand.We explore: • Life as a Sri Lankan PhD student in New Zealand 🎓 • Māori culture and traditions 🌀 • The friendliness (and quirks) of Kiwi people 👫 • New Zealand’s breathtaking nature, isolation, and remoteness 🌿 • The high cost of living in Auckland 💰 • Fun facts about New Zealand: no snakes, more sheep than people, Lord of the Rings filming locations, and more 🐑🎬If you’re interested in studying, living, or migrating to New Zealand—or just curious about the culture, lifestyle, and natural beauty—this episode will give you valuable insights and real experiences.👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more inspiring stories from around the world!🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms.Host: Nilanga VirajithGuest: Malitha GunawardhanaFollow us on:Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-borders/id1829070342Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MaDiIre0WOig196CrcpLX?si=z7FRGocFR_6ZryUbQFSJVATikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.borders.slInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/beyond.borders.slFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/beyondborders.podcast.slFollow Nilanga on:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nilanga.virajithFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/nilanga.virajithTwitter - https://x.com/nilangaVLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nilangav#srilanka #newzealand #sinhalapodcast #srilankansabroad #studyinnewzealand #sinhalavlog #beyondborders #newzealandvlog #phd #srilankan #srilankanpodcast #newzealandphdstudent #studentlife