How Wellington won my heart Past Review
By A student (Emmanuel College (Massachusetts)) - abroad from 02/08/2016 to 07/01/2016 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington
I learned how to be self sufficient and to travel alone. Sure I made friends but I also was able to travel and explore on my own. I also realized my passion for experiencing new cultures and appreciating them for what they are. I love New Zealand so much and it was 100% worthwhile.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I loved Victoria University of Wellington. Amazing resources, gorgeous campus, interesting courses. 5/5! |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
One of the best things about TEAN were the In-country administrators who helped guide us in life at Uni and in Wellington! |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Fully furnished flat with everything we needed however the insulation was thin and it would get a bit chilly |
* Food: |
Wellington has phenomenal restaurants everywhere. On campus there are delicious options as well. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Kiwis are the best. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had to see doctor at VIC and they were extremely helpful and it was a painless process. |
* Safety: |
Wellington, and New Zealand in general, is such a safe country. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The education abroad network has got it down to a science. They make sure that along every step of the way, students feel safe and secure. You are fully in charge of your experience but you are backed and supported by T.E.A.N. along the way. They offer a strong orientation program and also mid semester excursions as well as in country staffers. I love this program so much. |
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) |
the dollar goes pretty far in NZ dollars however prices are in the middle so you still have to be careful about how much you are spending. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | depending on the week it could be about 100 NZD because there are no cafeterias on campus |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Grocery shopping in bulk, going to the farmers markets, and making cooking fun would be my recommendations. |
Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? |
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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? | To have extended my visa :) |