Victoria University of Wellington...One of the best experiences of my life! Past Review
By Amy C (n/a, University of Hawaii - Manoa) for
Victoria University of Wellington: Wellington - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Greatly improved my cultural awareness. Made me more self-sufficient and adaptable.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
In Maori studies, most classes have very different teaching methods--the more experienced students teach the less experienced ones in groups. This was good as a cultural exchange experience however it was very different to the type of learning at a typical American university. |
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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? |
I lived in a flat with other university students through the university's housing office. It was difficult to arrange ahead of time, because due to UH's deadlines I was initially put on the waiting list. I did not find out where I would be living until I arrived, and they told me my assigned living arrangement. The neighborhood was safe and close to class. Nightlife was a 20 minute walk away, downtown (down a very steep hill). I had to get my own sheets, pillow & blankets to settle in, but all cookware was provided. The house was not well insulated and very cold, even in the summer, but later in the winter they installed a heating system so that should not be a problem anymore. |
| * Food: |
cooked all my own food, or purchased from restaurants. dining hall option was only available in certain flats. very different from the american university system where you can eat at any campus establishment. campus itself had very little food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
cultural classes were very interactive...we went on field trips to archaeological sites, had a Maori welcome ceremony and other activities. less touristy than other schools' study abroad programs. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
great |
| 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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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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?
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? | Take warm clothes. Don't expect to have internet in your house unless you live in International Student housing. Try to not hang out with only American students. A student who is independent but doesn't want a huge city like Auckland. Wellington is a very quirky city...lots of fun but quite cold. |
