Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Go to New Zealand over anywhere else, it will CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!!!!!!! Past Review

By (Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) - abroad from 06/24/2014 to 11/10/2014 with

AIFS: Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Most of what I learned was just about my own independence and many things that can't be put into words. I just feel changed, more responsible, capable, open to new experiences, and addicted to seeing more of the world. 100% worthwhile and am counting down the days until I can buy a plane ticket back!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Live in Te Kotahinga houses. Made the best friends and memories ever!

* Food:

We cooked most all of our own meals.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

More integrated with other internationals from Europe and other States, but still made many Kiwi friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a staph infection that got pretty bad, the student health was easy to get in and get an appointment, my program advisor was very helpful with filing the insurance claim when I had to go to the hospital. Overall everything went very smoothly.

* Safety:

You can hitch hike across the country of New Zealand. Safety was never a dilemma.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It is possible to live cheaply, but it is also very possible for expenses to get out of hand. Depends on how much extra you want to do (bungie jumping, skydiving, etc.) as well as how often you go out and spend money at bars or restaurants. Overall very possible to keep cheap if needed.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150-200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Come over with WAY more money than you think you will need, and avoid spending it on little things. Cook your own meals, don't spend money on soda's or juice, water is better for you anyways.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People I met
  • Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Immersion with more locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.