Studying in New Zealand: Best 5 Months of my Life! Past Review
By Oliver P (Chemistry, University of Rhode Island) for
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington
I am now more open minded to eventually living in another country whereas previously I may have ruled it out as not feasible or worth the effort. I see now I couldn't have been more wrong!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Overall I found the classes to be graded easier with less of workload. Also the grading system allows for lower grades to be considered passing (below 50 is failing). |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My expectations were beyond met! The program size was perfect: not too big meaning everyone was able to get to know each other, and I never had a question they couldn't answer both helpfully and promptly. The experience went smoothly from the beginning of the application process to the flight home! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The neighborhood was very safe (as far as I was aware), proximity to both class and nightlife was absolutely ideal(easily within walking distance), and all the essentials were provided which made moving in hassle free. My one complaint was that the wifi was slow and would often disconnect leaving us without internet. Other than that no problem. |
| * Food: |
I did my own grocery shopping. Bus transportation to the store was convenient and the prices and quality were essentially the same as at home in the US. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The trip to Fiji was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget, as was the orientation in Auckland. I had already had the time of my life in Fiji and couldn't believe the study abroad experience had barely started! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
There was a lot of information given to us during the university's orientation regarding safety during a natural disaster (ie an earthquake/ tsunami) which left me better prepared to deal with one. When I got conjunctivitis I was able to see a doctor and obtain a prescription at no cost within a few hours via my school's health services. The socialized health care system in New Zealand gave me peace of mind that I would get medical attention should I ever need it without having to worry about how to pay. |
| 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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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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