New Zealand, great place for the adventurer Past Review
By Derrek W (Physics., University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) for
Arcadia: Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington
Gotta go to class, but I loved everything about it, it affects me everyday and I can't get over the fact that im not still there! Want to go back, will go back. I loved it, I wish everyone could travel abroad, it makes the world a better place!
Personal Information
| 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. |
To be honest, I wasn't in Wellington to have a busy semester of studying, I planned it out to have a workload that gave me something to do, to learn about New Zealanders see themselves, and to have ample amounts of free time to explore. The main difference was the amount of matieral graded for classes, it was so small and had such a large impact on the total grade that it was difficult to see where you stood in proficiency. Although the system of education is much different, and I believe this worked against me in one of my classes, it was still great!! I am, however, glad to be getting a degree from my University!! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
they were amazing people! Had so much information for us, cared for us like we were their own children, in fact, most of us considered Jane and Kate our "New Zealand" moms. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a house owned by the university. It had one New Zealander and 2 other Americans, besides myself. The situation was good overall, but I would have much rather been in a house or dorm with all local people. |
| * Food: |
although Pizza is done right in New Zealand, great food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Had an AWESOME! time traveling inside New Zealand. I am a hiker and outdoor adventurer by trade and I grew into these interest even more when I was there. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
New Zealand felt so safe as far as violence. Roads are ridiculous, but fun. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | it costs more to live there than in Arkansas. It was rather difficult to have groceries at the house because of the long travel times and cab fares. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | to travel, best way is by rental car, look for specials ahead of time! Hertz! |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | Must! bring hiking gear! Boots, Pack, Sleeping bag, all accessories. they're expensive down there. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Maori Society and Culture |
| Course Department: | MAOR 123 |
| Instructor: | at least 6 different professors taught the course |
| Instruction Language: | english |
| Comments: | Easy class except for the final, which was brutal. Vic has an entire month for finals, and this was my only class that actually had a final during this month, the rest were internally assessed. If you want to travel your last month abroad, don't take it. However, it was interesting to see how the Maori/Polynesian's view themselves in the contemporary time. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | not yet |
| Course Name/Rating: |
History of NZ |
| Course Department: | Hist112 |
| Instructor: | Jim McAloon |
| Instruction Language: | English, very flowerly English |
| Comments: | If you are looking for a class that gives you some information on New Zealand and its past, this is the perfect class. If you want an A, it will be pretty hard, a B is real easy to get. The class only has four assignments, including a test on the last day of class, so the last month of the study abroad is left completely open. Interesting professor, recommended. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | not yet |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Analouge Electronics |
| Course Department: | PHYS233, there is another name for it if an engineer takes it |
| Instructor: | Malcolm Ingrahm |
| Instruction Language: | english |
| Comments: | The course turned out to be very fun. I like physics, and there was a decent amount of that in it, but it was very interesting to see how circuits work together and if you're interested in the subject, it was very easy class! Also, the class is internally assessed, so the last month of the study abroad is open! A+ |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | not yet |
