Welcome to Wellington! This Windy City is Wild. Past Review
By Alexandra S (Studio Arts, Adrian College) for
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Intern in New Zealand
I learned how to navigate myself, how make friends with strangers, and how to push myself outside my comfort zone. Travelling to NZ has only fueled my travel bug more and shown me that anywhere can be home.
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. |
I interned abroad and learned a lot doing that. However both of my internship sites weren't quite prepared for having me and were slightly disorganized. After the first week though everything got better and I had a great time. Both sites offered me different experiences. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I had a great experience in NZ and I can't wait to go back. My internship coordinator was great. I had two phenomenal internships and met amazing people. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The flat was in downtown Wellington, near the Harbor. The grocery store, work, and the amazing downtown area was literally about 5 to 15 minutes walk away depending on how far away you wanted to go. The neighborhood was extremely safe. The only thing I had to buy was food. My flat did not have a dryer, but it did have a dishwasher. If you are planning on going to Wellington during the NZ fall/winter, bring several sweaters and a coat--- umbrellas are futile so don't even try. |
| * Food: |
Walk down Courtney Place or Cuba Street for great food. There are a lot of great Asian restaurants, as well as food from anywhere you imagine because Wellington is the capital. Ernesto's makes fantastic breakfast and Heaven's Woodfire Pizza is amazing (they also have gelato) both are located on Cuba Street. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I worked at a museum and a gallery so I got a lot culture in that way. My flatmates and I went Bungy Jumping/Skydiving at Taupo and Zorbing in Rotorua. Both are a must in the North Island. Skydive Taupo is also the least expensive place in the world to go skydiving and Taupo Bungy is the highest water touch bungy. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Wellington is exceptionally safe. I never felt uncomfortable or unsafe walking alone there. Everyone is really friendly and ready to help. |
| 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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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 did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Go for it. NZ is perhaps the safest place to start traveling alone if you've never been before. |
