31 reviews
3.58 / 5 based on 31 reviews
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0
Eva B
Languages
Language of instruction: English
Was learning English a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my English
How much did you improve your English?
My level before: No problems in any areas (including slang)
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
Having already lived in the UK for seven years prior to my departure to NZ I had no problems communicating.
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3
Eva B
Academic
Course recommendations
I'm writing a research thesis and found that I was only given very little support. My supervisor is great but the rest of the department have been very reserved. So if you find it hard to work independently, a research thesis probably isn't the best choice!
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
I think the department could make a better effort to include new students, I'm the only postgrad student without a previous degree from Vic Wellington to study there and often feel excluded. In fact, I think I'm the only international postgrad in the department.
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My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
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3
Eva B
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Family
Other sources of funding:
Personal savings
Work opportunities:
I worked during my study abroad experience
Personal spending habits
Food is much cheaper in Europe - even in the UK.
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Telephone, Nightlife, Overall, Food:
was more expensive than at home.
Travel, Housing:
was the same price as at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
The food is very expensive in comparison to my wage.
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4
Eva B
Overall
I wish I had known...
The bad housing, highly expensive internet/ phone - the university does not provide free internet for student which, considering their geographical location, is crucial in order to communicate with the rest of the world. Newspapers are very basic - hardly any international news.
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In my opinion:
I loved it but I'm not sure everybody would.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
Looking back I think I should have researched the university a bit more throroughly. I was not happy with some of the academic staff and the exclusion of international (esp. Asian) students. Integration seems to be a serious issue!
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
NZ is awesome for travelling (Magic bus is cheap and takes you to all the touristy as well as the more remote places). Wellington is very small and not very cosmopolitan so it was a huge shock for me having to deal with lack of good newspapers, nightlife and 'worldly atmosphere'. While the kiwis are very friendly on the surface, it is very hard to actually make friends.
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1
Eva B
Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Independently - My choice
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
First of all, having to flathunt gave me something to do when I arrived and helped me to get to know the city. Arranging viewings for flats in different parts of the city helped me to gain a quick understanding of my surroundings as well as being able to navigate my way around. I also enjoyed being able to have a choice as to where and who I wanted to love with.
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Personal comments
From what I gathered the university website their accomodation was extremely overpriced and maintainance was very poor. Wellington has a huge problem with damp housing and some of the university halls I saw had mould growing in them.
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0
Eva B
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
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Travel: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Activities, Nightlife: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
Cuba Street is always good, especially when the carnial is on. The Summer Festival in Wellington is also great as they are many bands playing for free and the atmosphere is amazing. Other than that I love Midnight Espresso on Cuba Street. It's a vegan/ vegetarian cafe (I'm neither but still really enjoyed the food) and the Kelburn cafe makes the best coffee I've ever tasted!
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