Study New Zealand:The Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My overall educational experience was very different from my experience in America. For starters, I was in the actual classroom a lot less than in America. The grading system is a little different as well since you start with 0% and work your way up. The classes are set up to promote independent study. You have a lot of reading and your grade consists of 3 assessments usually. (A test and 2 papers or 3 papers) The professors are helpful but it is a much more casual atmosphere abroad. My professors used primarily powerpoints, readings and discussions. There were definite pro's and con's to both the abroad way and to our home way. I liked that we were in the actual classroom a lot less; it gave me time to prioritize and work at my own pace.

On-site administration of your program

The support services at Victoria University were pretty good overall. They would keep us updated with e-mails and such about activities going on around campus. I also took initiative to e-mail them if I had a question and they were usually pretty quick with correspondence. I felt fairly prepared with my educational background in the sense of actual knowledge to be able to participate. However, I found their culture to be a little more vague than American culture so I really had to step up and ask if I needed anything.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My living situation was that I lived in university flats (Te Kotahinga) with 4 other women. I lived with one woman from New Zealand and the other 3 girls were American. I got to rank characteristics that I wanted to live with. (Gender, nationality, smoking/non-smoking, etc) My house had all of the necessities. I had a kitchen that was fully stocked, living space, 2 bathrooms, a bedroom and desk. It was fairly spacious and not hard to live in at all. It was fairly updated and the proximity to class was unbeatable! I did not really have to buy many things. Sheets and such were provided, but I ended up buying a new non-stick pan for my kitchen and an extra pillow. The safety of the neighborhood was top notch as well. The one thing I always say to my friends and family back home is that I have never felt more safe than when I was in New Zealand.

Overall the food was amazing! From the fresh farmers markets and grocery stores to the restaurants that we would dine at. We cooked a lot during the week but would head into the city for a variety of good options. The quality of food was superb: lots of ethnic choices and of all price ranges. The quantity was good as well. Things were much more appropriately portioned while still getting your money's worth. I would say try and eat anywhere on Cuba Street and Courteney Place. Try fish & chips, kebabs, pizza, wine, kumera chips, and more!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

When you are in New Zealand, you MUST go to a rugby game! That was one of the coolest things that we did while abroad. We also went to Te Papa Museum, Botanical Gardens, rode the cable car, went to the City and Sea Museum. We also checked out the waterfront and the local theaters. We also did a cultural day where we got to go for a meal and talk to a local theatre woman which was cool and different.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Wellington was EXTREMELY safe overall. It was clean and the people were friendly and I never once felt nervous or scared. I still think use your brains in the sense of stay in groups and such, but I never felt nervous and again as I reiterated before, I have NEVER felt as safe walking around than when I was in New Zealand. For me, I did not really interact with the healthcare. I made sure to have all my medicine beforehand and I was lucky to not have anything serious happen to me. I brought tylenol and all of that good stuff with me so I don't know that much about the healthcare system there. Through our program we did have student health insurance though.

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

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• Other

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• Americans
• Local Students

• Communication/Advice given to me as a prospective student.
• The people/staff
• Facilities/Logistics

• Semester Cultural Events