New Zealand: Sweet As Bro! Past Review
By Devyn D (Multimedia Journalism, The University of Texas at Austin) for
Victoria University of Wellington: Wellington - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
A million times yes. I learned so much. I learned about different cultures. I learned so much about myself by being away from everything that I am familiar with. You make so many great friends that you will forever have in your life.
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. |
The grading system was different than home so make sure you have it correctly. It is more independent study as well. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The internet in New Zealand is not as reliable so it is harder to do research and things are not as easily accessible. The professors seem knowledgeable and helpful, though. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We were provided with sheets and cookware, but we also purchased some because they were not the best quality. |
| * Food: |
Fruit and dairy is EXPENSIVE. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
RUGBY |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The health center on campus was great, but they basically give everyone antibiotics. Wellington was very safe. You just have to be smart. |
| 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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Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
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? | You need to be very independent and self sufficient to go on this trip. You are basically thrown in there and you need to be friendly to make friends. It's just so amazing. You just really have to appreciate the country and all its beauty. |
