Windy Wellington and Student Budgets Past Review
By A student (HISTORY., Austin College) - abroad from 02/19/2012 to 07/05/2012 with
IFSA: Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington
I gained self-confidence, independance and great friends and adventures. It was definately worthwhile, even the dealing with homesickness.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses were very indepth and the library resources for research were particularly amazing. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were always nice and organized and willing to help. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
the international housing was impressive. the only downside of our house was that the dryer was not always cooperative. |
| * Food: |
It was self catered. So, quality realy depended on the mood of the chef. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We had a fantastic kiwimate (native new zealand host) who lived with us but being isolated from other Kiwis was problematic. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
the campus system was effective. |
| * Safety: |
We had no issued. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
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) |
The hardest part was figuring out how to budget food. Take advantage of the weekly farmers markets. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $75 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try not to eat out or go drinking too often. It really puts a dent in the budget. |
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? | That AIFS gives their students money for food, but less support and fewer trips. |
