Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience that was so much more than just living in a new country June 27, 2023

By (Computer Science, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/16/2023 to 06/25/2023 with

Arcadia: Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to cook for myself, explore new places, organize events with friends, how to immerse myself in a new culture, how to balance my life, and understand what is important to me.

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.

The classes I took at Victoria University were interesting, well taught and useful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Everton Hall was amazing! They are so much more than just a place to live. They held all kinds of events and things to do

* Food:

N/A - I made my own food

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I tried to get involved as much as possible in the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There was a medicine I needed that I was told by ISOS was available in NZ but it wasn't. Luckily, I had enough but otherwise, that would not have been good. Other than that, it was great!

* Safety:

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

This program was the perfect fit for me. Wellington was an incredible city to live in, the program director was so helpful, I made wonderful friends, and grew so much as a person.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200 (?) varied each week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I'd recommend thinking about what you care about. If you care about eating fancy food, do that but maybe cut back on something else. I cared more about experiences than food so that is where I focused my superfluous spending.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • 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
  • 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?
  • Excursions
  • The program staff
  • Housing
* What could be improved?
  • Not sure, I loved it
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about things that could cost money like tours. I just hadn't considered that too much. Also, it would have been cool to see a list of the types of things students like to do in the different areas so that could be more on my radar.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.