Adventure Awaits Past Review
By Jessica Wahl (Quinnipiac University) - abroad from 02/08/2016 to 06/26/2016 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Wellington - Massey University
I found it incredibly valuable to attain a wider worldview outside of the sometimes limited one that American media offers; it gives you a chance to step back and view from a difference perspective. The cultural differences too were fascinating to note once you picked up on subtle nuances and understood the general values. Another important experience was living away and so far from home for the first time. Having really only yourself and the resources through the program and host university to rely on, you had to learn to adapt and grow independent of what you may be used to. It was absolutely worthwhile to gain these new skills.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It really is what you make of it. Taking some higher level art courses were challenging but definitely rewarding. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I had the most wonderful local program advisor who was incredibly welcoming, friendly, and helpful for any and all questions I had. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The only on-campus housing available were apartment style rooms for first-year and any international students. Being a junior, I was older than most people there, however, being with first years made it easier to make friends since they also were new. It was also great living with local kiwi students and not only other Americans. |
| * Food: |
There is a cute little cafe on campus that is reasonably priced, but otherwise, the dorms are self-catered with a kitchen. The local grocery store is right within walking distance and there's even a short bus route to take if you have too much to carry. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt almost completely immersed in the local culture. In my classes I was with only 2 or 3 other international students at most and nearly all the friends I made were kiwi. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Luckily, I had no health issues while I was abroad, however, I am confident if I did, TEAN and Massey would have been able to assist and have everything in order. |
| * Safety: |
For a capital city, Wellington actually felt extremely safe. I had no worries walking home from class at night alone or needing to be highly aware of my surroundings and others while in the thick of downtown. The most dangerous aspect is that pedestrians do not have right of way and cars will not stop or slow for you if you don't cross when you're allowed. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The Education Abroad Network does an exceptional job in ensuring that all their participants felt confident and safe before sending them off to their respective universities. The application and paperwork process was straightforward, orientations were comprehensive (and fun!), and contacts to reach out should an issue arise were readily available. |
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) |
Despite being in the capital city, it was still manageable to live comfortably on a budget. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $70/week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make use of the local farmer's markets for far cheaper and fresher fruits, vegetables, and eggs. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | 10+ |
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? | It's super important to research and have a good idea of the places outside of your host city you want to visit. Planning ahead is key, or at least having a general idea of places to go so that you can make the most of your time while in New Zealand traveling and not trying to organize at the last minute. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
