Wonderful Welly, worth dealing with the rain and wind Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

May main issue with Vic probably derives from the fact that I was originally supposed to study at Canterbury, before the earthquake. That being, there were very few class options for the type of classes I needed to enroll in. I also found that I had to much more work in my 100-level intro courses than in my 300-level biology course, as most of the topics covered I had already learned previously. However, I did very much like the format of their classes and most of my lecturer's teaching style. Additionally, the grading system was very kind, something like 70+ is an A (don't expect to get 100s though).

On-site administration of your program

I have nothing but the absolute BEST to say about TEAN's involvement while I was in New Zealand, Lauren Gabell is heaven sent. I started my study abroad in Christchurch and after the earthquake hit TEAN arranged for us to leave the city and stay in Okains Bay in a backpackers connected to a Maori Museum, with he most gracious host ever. Lauren then came to New Zealand from Australia and helped us to get everything in order to transfer to a new university, and went with us to Wellington to facilitate the changes in enrollment, housing, course selection, everything. I don't know what I would have done without her!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Everton Hall, if your going to Vic, I think it is the best option for living. It is within walking distance of campus, of course; but also just up the street from Wellington's business district, which is a short walk from everything else in Wellington. The setup is a university owned apartment with, typically, 5 bedrooms. The vast majority of students are Kiwi, usually only one international per apartment, if any. I was lucky enough to take someone's place leaving early; my roommates were 2 Kiwi girls, 1 Kiwi boy, and 1 female British exchange student.

I budgeted my food pretty strictly. Countdown grocery is great but there is not one in Wellington; New World is just a short walk from Everton Hall, where I lived, so I was there about every other day. There are a lot of great restaurants in Wellington - Hell's Pizza (all over NZ) is fantastic, KK Malaysian is amazing and a good value, and the fish market at the end of Lambton Quay is the best fish and chips in town.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

One thing I loved about TEAN was that it gave us a lot of time together doing fun activities before the semester, then left us to our own devices during the semester to explore NZ on our own - rather than having to attend planned trips like some other abroad programs. Before the semester the trip to Fiji, obviously paradise not much else need be said. The orientation in Auckland was also great, the 'adventure day' spent canyoning was brilliant, something I wouldn't have done on my own - and now can't imagine not doing. I think the best cultural experience TEAN provided, despite the unfortunate circumstances, was the Christchurch student's get away to Okains Bay during the time of the earthquake. We really got to experience a more genuine and modern Maori experience than what you see in museums and books.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never once felt unsafe in Wellington, despite it being a large city (by New Zealand standards). Heathcare at Vic was great, as a study abroad student you have full access to the University clinic. I only went in fro something routine, but my friend did go and get prescriptions - I don't recall whether they were free or just very, very low cost; but it was one of the two. Vic also gave free flu shots, at our dorm no less.

(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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• Local Students
• International Students

• People working at TEAN (Lauren Gabell)
• TEAN helped a lot getting everything organized with enrollment/visas
• Flexibility, in that I could enroll in any class offered at Vic

• Try to get reserved spaces for Vic TEAN students in Everton Hall