GO TO WELLINGTON (if you are ready to have your life changed) Past Review
By Tori F (Strategic Communication, Butler University) - abroad from 07/03/2014 to 11/09/2014 with
Massey University - Wellington: Wellington - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned so much. I learned how to branch out and how to be independent. I learned about culturally diverse perspectives and how to see the world & my country through the viewpoint of another culture. I also learned about myself in ways I can not explain and would have never imagined - I feel like I grew up and matured more in these few months than I did my first 2 years of college combined.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I utilized my semester abroad to enroll in a leading design school of New Zealand (Massey University) and cover a few of my design minor's requirements, and get a new, culturally diverse perspective in the field. I really enjoyed my art classes at Massey University, and loved the environment and students at this campus. If you are looking for a creative environment that will challenge your skills and outlooks, choose Massey University in Wellington! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The IFSA-Butler staff of New Zealand is AMAZING. My time abroad would not have been so different without them. The events they planned I would have never been able to do/afford on my own, and they are so welcoming and accommodating. From the time I got off the airplane, to the time I got back on to leave, I felt supported and close to the entire staff. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The flats for Massey University, The Cube, is technically the residence halls for the first-year students, so that was interesting. However, they are much better than any American dorm set-up I have ever seen before. They are essentially apartments and the students that live there are so welcoming and friendly. I lucked out and got THE best flatmates ever, who became my best friends and people I still keep in touch with. One of the best parts of Massey University that I have not heard of any other study abroad program do, even the others in New Zealand, is placing the international students with native New Zealanders which helped us all to get to know the locals so much easier and faster - we all felt immersed in the culture. |
| * Food: |
The food is YUM. If you live in wellington, check out Ekim for the best burger in town... Then head over to Fidel's (Yes, it is named Fidel's after Castro and is located on Cuba Street - add it to crazy things New Zealand does) for the best - and biggest - milkshake you will ever have... Or if it is cold, get a hot chocolate from Scopa. Basically... walk around the town and stop in any restaurant you see and you will be happy with your decision. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Kiwis (New Zealanders) are THE friendliest and most welcoming people I have ever come into contact with. They are amazing people, and I feel honored to have been able to be considered apart of them, if only for a couple months. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not personally experience any health issues... But I was aware of all my options if that were needed. You are covered under Student Safe - an insurance policy that allows international students to be covered for any health costs that they may have while abroad. |
| * Safety: |
Along with the friendliness of New Zealand.... It is SUCH a safe place. Because everybody is so friendly and caring, you never feel threatened. Their crime rate (or lack there of) is ridiculously low - especially in comparison to the USA. Don't get me wrong, it's not a perfect place, I'm sure crime happens. But I often walked around Wellington with friends & alone many hours after dark and never felt threatened or unsafe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
It was doable for sure, but definitely tough. New Zealand prices end up being about double or triple the price that we are used to in America. And unfortunately I was unable to work with a student visa (something that I believe is changing within the next year or so). Preparing ahead for the expended costs or having financial support from home while you are abroad in New Zealand would be necessary - but so worth it as long as you are aware. The good thing is I am SO much better at budgeting now - and I am much more frugal in the aspect that I recognize REAL necessities v. luxuries. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150-$250 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan your meals! Make a list of the meals you want to eat for each meal each day and buy only the food for that. Having a plan in a grocery store (and sticking to it) will help you avoid buying food that you will never go through or that you may just be craving when you see it in the store. Also, remember to take advantage of ANYTHING free that is offered. If there's a free festival and you have no idea what it's about... Try it! Free is AMAZING when you're abroad and any cultural experience means something. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How fast the time goes by. You will get homesick, at some point - maybe for awhile, maybe for a short period - but it will happen. No matter what, remember you are only in this country for a limited period of time and you don't know when you will be able to return. Take advantage of EVERY opportunity you have. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
