My decision to go abroad not only has made me a completely new person. Past Review

By Alexina Estrada (Mills College) - abroad from 02/15/2016 to 06/30/2016 with

Arcadia: Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned a lot about the country obviously but in a way that made me want to learn about more. I also have learned a lot about myself: what I am capable of, the things I am able to accomplish, and that I am a whole lot more adventurous than I ever dreamed I could be.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	During the semester the work load was easy to manage if you handled your time well. During finals it was stressful because I was not used to having finals that were motionless choice and covered material from the whole semester.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	The flats that I lived in weren't very clean when I moved in but we were expected to have them extremely tidy during the semester and at the end. It was very hard to keep the flat clean because of its structure and how it was. I also had one flatmate who was extremely inconsiderate and untidy to say the least.
* Food:	I defiantly tried as much New Zealand food as I could and really enjoyed it. I really missed Mexican food though and found a good restaurant called Viva Mexico!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Wellington is a very big drinking and party culture. I defiantly enjoyed myself but because that's not my scene at home it was only fun every now and then for me.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I always felt that I could get health care if I needed it.
* Safety:	I don't think I've ever felt safer in my life anywhere. But you also still always should be smart about being out.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes The staff was so helpful! They arranged different outings for us throughout the semester and were always checking in on us/ there for support.

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 wasn't that hard to be honest however, what added up and was harder was all the additional costs to explore New Zealand more and do activities like road trip, bungee jump, backpackers, etc. even then though if you're persistent, you can find good deals!
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	Around $200-$300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Choose wisely what you want your money to go towards: a night out or a road trip?

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Local Students
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students Americans
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?	The planned activities Constant support and check ins
* What could be improved?	Help selling/ getting rid of things at the end of the semester
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	That I am capable of so much more than I ever dreamed. Also how to travel cheaply (backpackers, early flights, smaller airports, transfer cars, etc)

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 Academic or Linguist You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	PASI 101
Course Department:	Pacific Heritage
Instructor:	Teresia
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This course was really helpful in opening up my mind to what it means to be a Pacifika person and the struggles they endure and the culture they cherish. It was extremely helpful as an international student to open my eyes and learn more.
Credit Transfer Issues:	My credits haven't transferred yet.