Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

WELLINGTON I LOVE YOU Past Review

By (Marketing, Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State) - abroad from 02/02/2015 to 07/02/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience was 100% worthwhile and I would do it again in a heart beat! I learn a lot about myself and made lifelong friendships with some of the most unique people.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Penn State offers a direct enrollment option with Victoria University so choosing not to take this option and to study abroad through The Education Abroad Network was a huge risk. Luckily for me, the risk paid off and I had the best six months of my life. Prior to leaving for New Zealand TEAN assisted me with any questions I may have and truly made it clear that they would be there to help throughout my semester. The pre semester excursion to FIJI really solidified my choice that studying abroad through TEAN was the best choice for me!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

A 5 minute walk from campus, a 15 minute walk from down town, a spacious kitchen, and my own room... what more could you want?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I actually got sick during my semester and had to go to the university health center. TEAN took care of all the insurance and helped make sure my appointment went as smoothly as possible. While my friend and I travelled to Australia they even helped her find a local doctor.

* 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)

It takes some time but it's easy to figure out a budget.. sticking to it is the hard part :)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Figure out how much money you need for food/ general living per month then start booking trips and trying to travel... doing the other way around won't work!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • The city
  • Fiji
  • The constant support
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Saying "hi" to someone randomly isn't weird but a way to meet new friends!

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.