Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing experience in Wellington Past Review

By (University of Massachusetts Amherst / UMass) - abroad from 02/09/2019 to 06/30/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience really gave me a chance to see how people live in other parts of the world. I made friends with locals, hiked mountains, and got out of my comfort zone. I will always remember this experience and the people I met as one of the best times of my life.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

This program really fit everything I wanted in a study abroad experience. Wellington was a perfect mix of city and rural environments. I attended and enjoyed all of the TEAN sponsored events, and loved the community formed while I was down there. Many of the people in my program I still keep in touch with, and I found many of the locals to be incredibly welcoming.

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? Probably around $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would definitely get produce at the farmer's market- it's cheaper and better quality. Also make sure to get a 'Snapper' card for the bus instead of using Uber.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The people in my program
  • Orientation/ sponsored events
  • The resident assistants
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would definitely keep weather constraints in mind when planning for other traveling as the seasons are reversed. Obviously, in the colder months, you won't be able to do as much hiking as in warmer weather. Also, try to get involved/ go out to events happening in Wellington. There's so much and some people that were traveling every weekend didn't get to experience how cool the city itself was.