Studying Abroad in New Zealand: Life Changing Experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was very manageable since most of the classes do not have the daily homework assignments. The grading system got a bit confusing at times since what would be a C in the USA is at least a B in New Zealand. Teaching methods were lecture style with tutorial sessions to go to. If you had questions, you would contact your tutorial instructor before your teacher normally.

On-site administration of your program

Going through Ifsa-butler, each university had a SSC, student support coordinator. This person would set up weekly meetings and be there to help with any problems. The main Ifsa-butler office in New Zealand was also in Wellington so there were plenty of other people you could go to for support if needed. The program was very orderly and had events planned throughout the stay in New Zealand. The program and SSC were willing to answer and questions about New Zealand and knew about American higher education and what it was like studying abroad since many of them had been abroad. The program split everyone going to New Zealand into groups mostly by what university you were going to. My orientation group had a total of around 26 students studying abroad and going to 5 different universities. The expectations I had were met and I was really glad there was support in case I needed it.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was put in university housing. It was off campus apartment style living. I was with 3 other girls, 2 Americans and 1 kiwi host. The neighborhood was pretty safe since there were fellow study abroad students all along the street and nearby streets. The flat was between 5-10 minutes from the main campus but there are a total of 4-5 Vic campuses so if you had classes at another campus it could be a longer walk or bus ride. Since the main Vic campus, Kelburn was on the hill it was about 10-20 minutes to downtown Wellington and depending on where you were going it could be longer. I did not need to buy any items except food to settle in since the flat had everything provided from cookware in the kitchen to couches in the living room. Each bedroom had their own key so if you needed you could lock your door so no one else could get in if you left.

The food quality and quantity were good. There was just a bit of a hike to get it back up to the flat. Some advice on where to dine would be la casa pasta and the small crepes stand on Manners Mall. For dessert one could go get gelato in numerous places around Wellington.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Memorable cultural events were going to the marae and learning Maori culture. It was also nice to be able to take weekend trips and get anywhere easily. Wellington is pretty much in the middle of New Zealand so it made getting anywhere easy.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Wellington was pretty safe. You just need to take normal precautions like walk with someone at night and don't go into dark scary alleys. There were no safety related incidents. I did not have any experience with healthcare. There were no prevalent health issues and I did not need any vaccines for this program.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Apartment

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• Americans
• Local Students

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• Local Students