Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Not all those who wander, are lost-J. R. R. Tolkien Past Review

By (Architecture, Carnegie Mellon University) - abroad from 07/06/2015 to 11/15/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
you learn how to travel, how to meet and talk to new people, and how to come out of your shell.

Review Photos

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? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Taking there architecture classes were great, I learned a lot about Earthquakes and their structural systems, and taking all of their culture classes really helped me to understand an entirely new part of New Zealand.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I live in Uni-houseing in a flat with other study abroad students.

* Food:

Wellington has more cafes, restaurants, bars, and food stands per square foot than any other place in the world. You never go to the same place twice because there are too many places that you should try. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday is a different food market, all were absolutely fantastic.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I got to know much more international students, than i did Kiwi's.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Ambulances are free in Wellington

* Safety:

There was never a moment or place where I felt in danger, or scared for my safety while out at night, or during the day.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? go to the food markets, food is cheeper, better, and healthier.

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
  • 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?
  • People
  • Program events
  • Beforehand excursion
* What could be improved?
  • More program events
  • more people in the program than just americans
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How important packing light really is.

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.