New Zealand: A Most Excellent Adventure Past Review

By Schuyler M (International Business., Western Washington University) for

ISA Study Abroad in Wellington, New Zealand

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

The internship in New Zealand exceeded my every expectation. My time at Education New Zealand was a great learning experience. I was exposed to corporate culture for the first time, I learned about the inner workings of a marketing firm and the difficulties associated with the operation of an international business. The time I spent with Kiwis and my roommates were were both fun and informative. I was able to learn from the different perspectives of those who lived outside the U.S. and from those who lived in different parts of the U.S. I think this was a perfect way to end my time at Western Washington University.

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.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	The apartment we were assigned was a penthouse in the center of downtown Wellington. The central location was great. We could easily walk to many of the restaurants in town, the waterfront and the national museum. The only problem we experienced was the noise from the clubs, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
* Food:	Wellington is a great place for someone who is curious about food. There are dozens of restaurants in and around the center of town. My favorite place to look for a new restaurant was Cuba st. Some of the best sushi, Malaysian and Indian restaurants I found on Cuba. Wellington is also an incredible place for coffee enthusiasts. I never had a disappointing latte during my three month stay. If you want to order like a true Kiwi just ask for a flat white.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:
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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I think this program would be well suited for someone who is looking for an experience outside the classroom yet still wants to work hard and learn a lot.