New Zealand what makes it a coveted destination for international students?

I always had a dream of studying in an illustrious university abroad. Hence, there was fancy for universities in the UK and USA. I never thought that I would land up studying in New Zealand which a few decades ago, was a small island on the international map. If you have asked me anything about New Zealand before 1994 and I will tell you that very little was known about this once a discrete country. 

All I knew that its minuscule human population was (and still is) outnumbered by sheep 11: 1. Of course, much has changed in the last sixteen years. However, my perceptions started to change thanks to Peter Jackson and the phenomenal success of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, along with a series of high-grossing films like the Chronicles of Narnia and Avatar featured scenic locations of New Zealand. 

 I realized that New Zealand is a small but powerful nation with immense possibilities. As the country continued to receive media attention from programs, like Amazing Race whose host was New Zealander anchor an eminent personality Phil Koeghan, who globalized the scenic splendor of the country. Although the country has risen into fame and prosperity, New Zealand is indeed one of the best-kept secrets in the world! 

I was baffled to learn that New Zealand has become such a popular destination for tourists, migrants and thousands of international students. When I came to know that New Zealand also hosts excellent universities and training institutes, along with vibrant student culture, and all that good kinds of stuff at less than half of the cost of studying in USA or UK I could not restrain from knowing more from trusted education counselors.