New Zealand: Made me grow and change in a great way. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The work load was manageable and lecturers would put most of their slides/notes online for students to access. The tutorials were new to me. Tutorials are very important to go to; it is where most of the assignments are assigned and review sessions take place. Grading system is a bit different a 50% was a C so that was a bit to get used to. The grading, however, is about the same as it is in the states. The same amount of effort and skill of work is expected out of the students.

On-site administration of your program

When I arrived at Victoria University I was greeted by the international office right away. They were very helpful throughout the entire transfer and understanding of the situation that I had been in. I arrived at the Uni a week after classes had started and had no idea where I was living. All of that was set up by the time that I arrived. This took a lot of stress off my shoulders. I was very great-full for all the people in the international office that helped me through the process.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorm provided a vegetarian and meat meal at every scheduled meal time. The food is what anyone would expect from a dorm.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Memorable events: I traveled down to Queenstown by myself and I felt so safe there, being a girl I was able to walk by myself at night and not feel insecure. This is a very safe country. Cuba Street and Courtney Place are places that we would go to almost every weekend and on Wednesdays for student nights. I went to Hokitika and went to the wild foods festival with some friends I made during the first week of school and made a new friend on the trip and we remained close friends for the duration of the semester. We all still speak to each other at least once a week to keep in touch. Traveled over to Australia for the two week break from class with some friends I made. While I was in Wellington and Queenstown I took tours of where Lord of the Rings was filmed and I would suggest seeing a film at the Embassy theater. That is where LOTR premiered and it is also a breathtaking theater. A great activity to do with friends and within walking distance from anywhere on campus. In Queenstown I bungy jumped of the Kawarau Bridge (another location that LOTR was filmed).

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Felt very safe and felt secure walking around by myself. There were not any vaccines specifically 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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• Dorm
• Apartment

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• International Students
• Local Students
• Americans

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• The location
• security- I felt safe walking at night by myself. The program also has a 24 hour calling service if there are any questions or concerns.
• education offered

• better communication during natural disaster
• let the student have an option of where they want to live in the case of a natural disaster if it is possible