Absolutely Positively Would Go Back August 02, 2026
By A student (Anthropology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/11/2026 to 06/21/2026 with
Arcadia: Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington
Absolutely. I learned a lot about how to build a life somewhere new, and about what I consider to be important. It was so worthwhile to go from knowing no one in the country, to having a large group of people to stumble around with, to ask for help in classes, and to encourage. You will learn a lot about yourself!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Absolutely study for all of your classes. You will do well, but you get out what you put in. Apply for classes you think will be hard!! Have a good time! It doesn't have to be a 'vacation semester,' it can teach you truly fascinating theory. Let yourself struggle!! |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Absolutely amazing team. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a house! My flatmates were lovely. |
| * Food: |
NZ food is not that memorable, but the facilities provided through student housing are GREAT. Do not miss the chance to learn how to cook, if you don't already know how! If you DO know how to cook, you'll have a great time; please go to the Sunday market at the WGTN harbour. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Everyone was lovely. It is honestly easy to make friends in Aotearoa, especially in Wellington. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I was luckily healthy, but my friend broke his ankle. Navigating healthcare is a bit tricky, but the student insurance through Arcadia is great. |
| * Safety: |
|
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Yes, but I would advise against taking HIST 112. You will not learn nearly as much as you would have in MAORI HIST. Also, take every free day you have to go exploring and hiking! It's a great time! |
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) |
2.5 |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent about $100USD/week. There are functionally zero program expenses, which is great (once you've already paid). |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You can absolutely budget and live carefully. Especially if you're used to paying for your own life, but I would recommend making a spreadsheet as soon as you get there to include 1) food, 2) utilities, 3) phone plan, 4) travel, and 5) leisure. Track your habits, and be responsible. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | You should apply for a drivers' licence as soon as you land! It's a great way to not lug around your passport. But the faster you do it, the better, and it's really easy to forget. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
