Authentic experience in the heart of Wellington May 13, 2022
By Olivia P (Sociology, The College of Wooster) - abroad from 07/01/2022 to 11/10/2022 with
Arcadia: Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington
Meeting people from other countries and making friends in a different cultural context, very worthwhile
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Very independent uni experience so studying at Vic is what you make of it. The lecturers there are knowledgeable and took a good approach to reviewing sociology. Grading was more rigorous but the New Zealand grade scale is more generous than the American one. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Jane and Caitlin were amazing to work with--both very personable and organized. I felt welcomed and in good hands from the first day I was there. Made sure that I was emotionally taken care of and had the cultural knowledge to be successful in NZ. Arcadia took care of finding housing and making sure credits transferred. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Everton isn't extravagant but in a prime location to be in Wellington. Quick walk to the Kelburn campus and more of an independent living experience than a dorm. It was ideal to meet Kiwis and ended up making friends there that I wouldn't have made in other living accommodations. |
| * Food: |
N/a - no food provided by Arcadia on this program. Grocery shopping came out of pocket. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Still talk to the Kiwi friends I made every day. Appreciated the cultural nuances that Arcadia gave us context for up front, and then living accommodations allowed for meeting local students. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Organized system for getting health forms in. Was able to utilized Vic's free health center. |
| * Safety: |
Wellington is walkable and safe. Felt comfortable being out at night alone. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Great local and independent experience with the safety net of Arcadia. Grew both academically and interpersonally with the experinece. |
Finances
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* 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) |
USD to NZD exchange rate at the time made it easy to live with low expenses. I did not need to pay for transport since Wellington was walkable. Utilities and internet paid for by Arcadia/covered through program fees. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Grocery shop instead of eating out/ordering takeout. Get a credit card without a foreign transaction fee. Walk/take public transport. Look for student discounts/student nights for activities in town. Buy everything second-hand or make use of donation stations, or clothing swap with locals. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | N/a, felt well prepared by both Wooster and Arcadia program advisors |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
