Unlike Anything I'll Ever Do in My Life! Past Review

By (Environmental Science, Stonehill College) - abroad from 06/22/2013 to 11/17/2013 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile! I learned how to step out of my comfort zone and take advantage of all opportunities that came my way. I now know I am capable of providing for myself and living a happy and healthy life on my own. I learned to adapt and accept new ways of life and am now interested in learning more. I gained a whole new outlook on life and applying it to mine here in America.

Review Photos

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living in the flats in Wellington were perfect for a young student. Everything was in walking distance, between the university, grocery stores, farmers markets, bars and restaurants, parks and gardens, the waterfront, bus and train stations, etc. As for the actual living space, all four of us had our own rooms with plenty of space. We all shared one bathroom, a washer and dryer, and a kitchen with a stove, oven, plenty of cabinet and counter space, a dishwasher, and a refrigerator. There was also a lounge with a great view, a couch and chair, dining table and chairs, and a good size television. We also had a small backyard with easy access to neighbors, along with a picnic table and laundry line. The flat was easy to maintain and there was plenty of space to get together with flat mates and friends, and also plenty of space to be alone.

* Food:

There was no dining hall at the university, but plenty of cafes and food stands all around. As for the food in Wellington, the grocery store and farmers markets had an excellent variety. And if you're interested in new cultural foods, there were all sorts of restaurants in the city.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I met most of my kiwi friends through my classes and the tramping (hiking) club. I never met one person who wasn't inviting or fun to be around. I was able to experience their parties, their lives at home with Mum and Dad, and their favorite places in the city and even the whole country.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe or uncomfortable alone in the city or at night. My friends and I were always smart and stuck together, but if for whatever reason we had to separate, there was never an issue and never any fear of something happening.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Wellington, New Zealand is very expensive due to its location and being the capital city. The grocery store and bars were the most expensive, but the farmers markets every Sunday were cheap and every night of the week there were good deals at bars and restaurants.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Live the simple life. Every now and then, of course, treat yourself, but when it comes to weekly expenses, keep it simple. As for food, buy things that will last a long time and easy to cook such as rice, oats and pastas. Canned food is cheap as well, so canned beans and soup make a big difference.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Time in Fiji and Auckland orientation to get to know all the other students
  • Living on my own and having an entire city to explore
  • The amount of traveling I was able to do outside of the city and the country
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing.
  • Nothing.
  • Nothing.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how fast time flies.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Fundamentals of Geology

Course Department: Environmental Science
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was very challenging but kept my complete attention throughout the entire semester. There was a lab involved where one on one time with tutors was available and plenty of group work. There were a couple field trips involved where our lessons in lecture could be applied to a real setting. New Zealand is known to be very geologically active and there's plenty evidence to show it. With these field trips we put together a couple of projects, three exams in lecture, and a final exam to accumulate our final grade.
Credit Transfer Issues: No, there were no issues at all.