Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best experience of my life. Past Review

By (Victoria University of Wellington) - abroad from 02/06/2014 to 07/03/2014 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself and what I was capable of. I did things I never thought I could. I learned about independence and how to acclimate to new situations. I learned about respect of cultures and just because it's different, doesn't mean it's wrong. It was the most worthwhile experience of my life.

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.

Classes were structured much differently than mine in the US, with much less actual work (i.e. one paper and one test the entire semester) but you were responsible for keeping on top of readings etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

TEAN was amazing at providing us with some many resources, both local and all over the country, in case we ever needed anything. They were absolutely amazing.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Co-ed housing super close to campus and the gym. Only 15 min walk to downtown and it was generally just amazing.

* Food:

Downtown Wellington has so many options to chose from in all different price ranges. Try Satay Noodle House for the best hokkien noodles in the world.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The local New Zealanders were nothing but welcoming and are so willing to help you with anything you need. I made quite a few Kiwi friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I only went to health services on campus once for an upper respiratory infection, but they were helpful and I was in and out with a prescription in 15 minutes.

* Safety:

There was not a single moment that I didn't feel safe in all of New Zealand. Police in New Zealand are far more interest in keeping you safe than giving you tickets and you could ask them for help with even the smallest concern and they would go out of their way to make sure you were okay.

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)

This is completely dependent on what you're looking to do. I think I spent more than the average because I love to go out to eat and spent A LOT of time traveling so my expenses were higher than those who stayed more local and cooked more of their own meals.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150 ish
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Work out a budget of what you think you'll need on food, travel, daily living and then add 20%. There are going to be so many opportunities to do things that might cost a bit extra (bungee jumping, skydiving, zorbing) and you don't want to miss out because you didn't budget. It's better to come back with some extra than to run out while you're there. Also, put x-amount in an account you can't touch until you go abroad, so you aren't tempted to spend it in the states.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Made pre-departure easy (visa, enrollment, etc.)
  • Met people from more than my school
  • Orientation & Fiji
* What could be improved?
  • Housing Selection
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Everyone will feel just as uncomfortable the first 24 hours. Don't be shy.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.