New Zealand Study Abroad Program Past Review

By (Women's Studies and Community Health, Tufts University) for

Arcadia: Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had literally the most amazing time of my life and I am such a better person for my time abroad.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Fall 2008

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Try not to take classes with first years because it will be far too easy for a junior from Tufts.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone from arcadia was so open, friendly, knowledgeable and constantly accessible. I loved the staff in New Zealand, they felt like second parents. My expectations were exceeded beyond anything I could have hoped for.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Everton Hall <br /><br /> My apartment was very cold! It was also dank, moldy and didn't have nice facilities. The location was amazing, right between class and town, but other than that I did not enjoy it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Wellington is an amazing city and New Zealand is an amazing country. I think it is impossible to have a bad time.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt safe and felt that the issues weren't a big deal in New Zealand, but always knew I could count on Arcadia staff if I did have an issue.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? I spent around 130 NZD on food and drinks (eating in and going out) a week. Other expenses were pretty minimal.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Have an amazing time. Take advantage of everything. Don't worry about money. You only get to do it once, it going by way too fast, just have fun.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Globalization and Popular Culture in the Pacific

Course Department: PASI 202
Instructor: April Henderson
Instruction Language: english
Comments: This was the best class I've ever taken
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Intro to Film

Course Department: FILM 101
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: An amazing class! So much fun, and a great way to meet people. Easy.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Maori Society and Culture

Course Department: MAOR 123
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: Don't take this class. It will make you hate maori history. I promise.
Credit Transfer Issues: