Straight Outta Wangaz Past Review
By Leah M (Graphic Design., University of Wisconsin - Stout) for
Universal College of Learning / UCOL Whanganui Campus: Whanganui School of Design Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I have every intention to live here at some point in life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Very different approach to teaching compared to Stout's. The overall feel here in New Zealand is far more relaxed. The schooling is much more laid-back, yet you still learn a lot. The projects are much more stimulating and therefore you are more motivated to do the work. I've gotten the chance to design album covers, illustrate magazine articles and design book covers. My teachers are all really friendly, casual and helpful and really know what they're talking about. To me, they are more of friends who I can go to for help, rather than this powerful authority figure who is my superior or something. Some students here feel that the classes and teachers are too laid back, so I guess on the other hand that could prove to be frustrating for some, but not me. There aren't any tests, and there is ample time to do the work that is asked of you. I have yet to feel any serious amounts of stress here. Each class only meets once a week, but chances are you'll meet all day from 9-4. UCOL is rad. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Anything you need to do can pretty much be achieved. Vicki is the go-to lady and International Student Advisor and she can make anything happen. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was originally living in the student flats, which were about a 20 minute walk to campus. I enjoyed the walk, but the building itself was lackluster. I was paying $120 a week, not including internet and I lived with 5 others. I didn't care for the accommodation so I got out and moved into a flat with some local students, paying less money, closer to campus and MUCH happier! Look into housing options. |
| * Food: |
There aren't any dining facilities on campus apart from a small cafe. There are plenty of restaurants & a grocery store 2 blocks from campus. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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? | Focus on traveling heaps rather than collecting material wealth which won't fit into your suitcase on the way back anyway. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* 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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The courage is not in leaving, it's in never coming home. |
