Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Absolutely fantastic experience with Arcadia at VUW July 07, 2024

By (Psychology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/18/2024 to 06/22/2024 with

Arcadia: Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how much kinder people are in the rest of the world compared to in the US, and how there are so many things here that could be improved (I've always been critical of US policy, but going abroad reinforced that). Most definitely a worthwhile experience!

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

Had an amazing time, Jane and Karen were wonderful program advisors and they really truly cared so much for all of their advisees. It really made the program feel super special knowing that they had my back if anything happened.

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? About $40 USD on groceries per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take advantage of student discounts whenever you find them

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

  • Americans
* 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?
  • The program orientation
  • The program advisors
  • The program trips throughout the trimester
* What could be improved?
  • Clarity for the return journey
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't worry about what people think about you while you're abroad, be yourself; the people that remember you will be the people that like you, and if there are people who don't like you, you'll never have to see them again.

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.