New Zealand became my new home Past Review
By Sumita S (Psychology/Pre-med, University of California - San Diego) for
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington
My study abroad experience could not have been any better. I really learned how to be independent. I did things that I would never have the opportunity to do unless I came abroad. I feel that I matured a lot also. It's definitely worth it. I would recommend it to everyone.
Review Photos
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 thought the classes were a LOT easier and that it required very little work. I think that's also because I took 100 level classes, which made my life a lot easier. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Strengths - you get to know your advisors and peers because they dont make it too big. the advisors were incredibly helpful and fun to be around. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
we lived in a flat right next to the university |
| * Food: |
heaven's pizza off of cuba street! make sure to get the cream cheese on the pizza..it's AMAZING |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Fiji and orientation were amazing. I really feel like I was able to form relationships with everyone in our program. Even if the other students in the program went to another university we were able to meet them in different areas. We met our friends from Auckland and Dunedin during our mid-semester break and multiple other times throughout the quarter to go to the waitomo caves, coromandel, etc. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I always felt safe and I was lucky enough to stay healthy the entire time. I know that if I did need help that TEAN would have helped me right away. |
| 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? | Take up every opportunity you get. I got involved in tramping club and I only went on one hike with them. I wish I had gone on more of the rock climbing trips and stuff. It's a great way to meet other people and do something you love (or try something new). I think it's just important to be open and try everything! |
