Writing and outdoor adventure around New Zealand Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/19/2018 to 07/05/2018 with

Arcadia: Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A greater understanding of how good and bad can exist within the same person, a better ability to flow socially and make friends quickly, a wealth of knowledge about New Zealand.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Confusing/contradicting/incomplete information about insurance given, lead to unexpected costs and delayed treatment.

* Safety:

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

Wellington was the place for me, and ultimately the experience was what I made of it, not my program.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Hitchhiking
  • Hiking
  • Exploring town
* What could be improved?
  • Earlier and more intensive integration with local community
  • Less emphasis on a close knit community among the american group abroad
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You fill your own time, and there's a lot more of it than you think.