Study Abroad: Life-Changing Exhilerating Experience Past Review
By Sam H (Accounting and Related Services., Drake University) for
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington
I gained so much knowledge about traveling and cultural experiences in New Zealand, Fiji, and Tonga. While I was gone I enjoyed studying and learning knew things each and every day about a new culture, country, and society. Five stars because the program and the country of New Zealand was by far the best experience of my life and exceeded all my expectations.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Canterbury University - Christchurch, NZ; Victoria University Wellington - Wellington, NZ |
| 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. |
The workload was much easier than Drake University. I only needed to pass my classes in order to receive credit from my abroad institution, making life much less stressful and fun for travel, hanging out, and enjoying Wellington's beautiful city. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
TEAN gave us many free meals that were always delicious while I catered for myself the rest of the time. Although food was more expensive in NZ than in the US, I enjoyed shopping and cooking for myself and there was always plenty of food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Every trip set up by TEAN was phenomenal. From orientation canyoning to their mid-semester trip through New Zealand's South Island, the experiences were absolutely adrenaline-packed and breathtaking views of coastline and mountain ranges. Queenstown was the main attraction and it was unbelievable. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
After the earthquake TEAN made absolutely sure that we were taken care of and had nothing to worry about. This was the point in my study abroad experience that made me appreciate my program that much more because of how well they took care of me and provided for me. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan your trips accordingly and make sure you have enough money for the entirety of your trip. Running out of money and having to borrow is what a couple of people ended up doing and it was fine but unnecessary in my mind. |
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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It's not wrong, just different! |
