Wellington, New Zealand: The Other Side of the World Past Review
By Kelley W (English, Plymouth State University) for
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington
After my study abroad experience I became a lot more independent. I was able to buy and cook for myself, find and book my own travel arrangements and carry through with them. I made some memorable friends and will keep in contact with them. I now know a culture other than the American ones and would love to continue my travels which would include a stop in New Zealand once again.
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 only took three classes while abroad (suggested) and had not too hard of a work load. Maybe 2 papers due in a class over the entire semester and mid-terms/ final exams. Very classic and normal work load. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I was always able to get a hold of someone with int the program quickly and this lead to problems being fixed or explained faster and me being able to carry on living abroad. My advisers through TEAN and Victoria were all very knowledgeable about any trip I wanted to take or place to visit. The country was beautiful and welcoming where ever I went (and I went everywhere!) And the size of the program was perfect. About 25 of us all split between different universities so I could couch surf when I traveled! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
i lived in a big apartment, my own room with 4 other international students. All apartments also have a 'kiwi mate' to help show you the city and introduce you to other kiwis. It isn't hard to meet new friends yourself though either. I loved my living arrangements. |
| * Food: |
Kebabs are the best 'late night' food around and Heaven's Pizza on Cuba Street with the best pizza, hot sauce, atmosphere and owners around. Some great gelato as well! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I went during the Rugby World Cup and always had to go to the center of town to watch the games on the big screen and party and celebrate with the locals. TEAN always sent out e-mails reminding us of cool things going on around the city that we might want to participate in. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt that I was in a bad area or in an unsafe environment. Though TEAN program made sure we need all the risks and what to do if anything happened. |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I was able to split groceries with a few of my house mates and ended up spending maybe $50-$75 a week. Personal was a lot more because of traveling so I had a budget of $600 a month about. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The earlier you book the cheaper. Always look on groupon and ect for deals and Jetstar let's you bid for seats on Tuesdays online! You can get flights for as little as $2!! |
Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Try to get in touch with students that went to Victoria or Wellington. There are so many things to do in just that one city you'll never be bored! |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Maori Society and Culture |
| Course Department: | MAOR123 |
| Instructor: | Marie Cocker |
| Instruction Language: | English/ Maori |
| Comments: | Took trips to and from the Marae on campus which was very cool and the professor was very intelligent and lively about the subject. Though it was a lot on Maori politics and activism rather than the culture and history of the people and New Zealand. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | Yes they transfer over in a culture course, but if you want to get to know the Maori culture go to the Te Papa museum. |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Writing for Print Media |
| Course Department: | WRIT204 |
| Instructor: | Libby List |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Awesome course to take if you're into journalism. A small class of 15 and a professor that is very knowledgeable. She made the entire semester enjoyable and easy. It was a journalistic feel and setting and I feel that my journalism skills have benefited from the course. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | Yes it transferred as a journalism 'TECO' course. |
