Victoria University of Wellington

My classes have had a good level of information without unnecessary vigor. The bio labs are very hands on and greatly supplement my learning. My professors feel incredibly approachable and are often quite excited to speak with ambitious students. There are also a wide range of opportunities to work with faculty, particularly in science, if you just ask your lecturers to work on their projects. This is quite different to the cutthroat nature in the US. One of the biggest downsides is that the range of classes offered is not nearly as expansive as that of a US university. I have had to take some random general bio classes that don't quite apply to my marine bio major. I am doing a dual degree with Global studies which feels very "create your own adventure." I've been able to take classes from Contemporary Issues in Science, Technology, and the Environment to Capital Cities: Their Cultures and People which all apply to my degree. The academics overall have been incredibly fun to engage in. Another downside is that there is not a "club culture" like there is at US universities. Most social clubs are skills based (sports, languages, etc) or academic or religion based. There is no milk and cookies club or crochet club. You have to work harder to find social groups outside of university.

The uni dorms are a bit different from the US. Single rooms are the standard and it is not a given that everyone will go to halls, many people opt to go flatting (live in an apartment) in their first year. Dining halls have far less options, usually one or two mains to choose from at each meal, and there is no on campus "dining dollars." There is also no "on campus" housing, although the closest hall is on the outskirts of the main Kelburn Campus. The hall staff are much more engaged with residents and their wellbeing here than in the US. There are also second year and up independent living halls which place you in apartments rather than dorms, so older students and those in study abroad have more flexibility.

Coming from the US, the cost of living is incredibly cheap, especially coming with savings. Everything is an equivalent cost, eg a coffee is $6 in US and NZ and rent is around $1500 monthly both here and there. HOWEVER, wage is much higher, generally $27-30 per hour, so daily expenses don't take nearly as much out of your paycheck. There's also no tipping or added tax, so the price you see is the price you pay, no $15 lunch turning into $25.

The city of Wellington is quite sleepy when compared to US cities, but it is SO MUCH safer. It's small size also lends itself to easy daytrips into the surrounding nature, even by foot, if you enjoy outdoor activities. The south coast has beautiful swimming and diving. Suburbs Aro Valley, Karori, and more have incredible hiking.

Overall, I've really enjoyed my time at Vic! It is definitely different than what you would find in the US, but I highly recommend looking into it for globally minded individuals looking for a new adventure.

Though cost of living here is expensive, it is probably the only downside for me. The uni is in a city that you can easily walk or take public transit everywhere. From walking through the downtown or any other suburb, to taking the train and going for a hike. The people are lovely too. I have met so many different and amazing people and made a lot of friends. The classes are enjoyable too. They aren’t just about memorising but about preparing you for what you will be doing when you graduate, especially for me in a science based major.

The high cost of living in New Zealand makes moving here very challenging, greatly worsened due to enormous international school fees. Additionally, Victoria University does not offer family housing, so renting is the only option for those with spouses and/or children. Be aware that renting costs are laughably high. In the one year I've lived here the country has fallen into a recession as kiwis are moving out of the country in record numbers to flee from the unprecedented inflation as a result of a failing government. Unfortunately, the job market is hyper-competitive in NZ (100+ applicants for even entry-level openings) and so no jobs are willing to wait upwards of six weeks to sponsor an overseas employee when there are dozens of domestic applicants at hand as well. Even the domestic population struggles to find employment. Couple all of this with living costs so high that buying groceries feels like a gut punch and it is clear why emigration numbers eclipse those of immigration.

As far as university, the continued ramifications and magnification of colonization has led to an in-class separation of western worldviews and Māori worldviews, with emphasis placed on indigenous thought. While this is both progressive and respectful to said indigenous culture, it does make the curriculum very much applicable only to those planning to settle in NZ and not people who plan to move internationally (at least within the scope of a Bachelor of Health). Essentially, "western" ideas such as science-based medicines and nutrition are only brushed upon in favor of generalized holistic worldviews (which is not incorrect at all, but also not concise in the curriculum). In practice, this leads to a greatly reduced syllabus reflective of applicable health knowledge and understanding that is more universally used among westernized countries. There is nothing inherently wrong with this mode of teaching, but it does leave those with intention for life overseas post-school without the same tools for success.

Also, the curriculum at Victoria is HEAVILY based on reading articles that lecturers find to further their own opinions of subjects and then writing essay after essay with the expectation that the student agrees with everything being taught absolutely. As an example, I am in a course at present that has disallowed me from using a source in my essay as it would disprove the theory that is being taught (as stated directly to me by my lecturer). If you come from a British influenced school system this should feel right at home as essay-based assignments are commonplace, but for others that don't enjoy most every assignment being yet another essay the curriculum gets stale quickly and, personally, lessens my retention of the broader subject being taught. Most course curriculums are more like random ideas patched together, with each week feeling disconnected and unrelated to anything else taught prior, but with the constant reminder of the next upcoming essay.

The social scene in Wellington is tricky. The majority of kiwis create their friend circles in high school and have no interest in getting to know people after that time. Most gregarious people that you'll meet at Victoria, or Wellington as a whole, that are interested in getting to know you are also immigrants. Kiwis tend to be very standoffish and reserved. Expect to feel iced out by the locals, but the immigrant population is still so high (roughly 25%) that finding meaningful relationships is relatively easy.

Upsides of Wellington /NZ include the level of safety throughout (one of the top five safest countries in the world according to World Population Review), the absolute beauty of the landscape, and the lack of snow. Crime is very minimal across the country, so those that prioritize this above all have found somewhere for them. Keep in mind that gangs still exist here, though, and drug abuse is fairly rampant. Also, there are no threatening predators in NZ so wondering into the bush is typically very safe, although several outdoor deaths occur yearly do to tumbles and carelessness. The natural beauty is alluring and safer than most anywhere in the world. Lastly, the temperature never drops low enough to snow. That being said, Wellington is considered the windiest city on the planet and most rental houses are incredibly old and so do not have double-pane windows nor insulation. Non-residents cannot lawfully purchase real estate. It gets very cold inside accommodations about half the year and the vast majority of NZ homes don't have central heating. Auckland is very cozy year-round though.

Overall, Aotearoa New Zealand is a fine place to take an extended vacation to (not short vacations though as the government has set a $100 incoming fee just to step foot in the country), but I would not advise moving here for long stretches of time. The sheer beauty of the countryside is reason enough to experience places such as Milford Sound, Waitomo Caves, or Hobbiton, but your money will dry up fast and the government is not concerned about the wellbeing of the immigrant populace. This word of warning is especially true for those interested in higher education here. The institutions are not capable of accommodating families and the curriculum largely favors servicing people who have no aspirations to leave the country post-grad while simultaneously feeling directionless. The disparity between domestic vs. non-domestic student fees is staggering and income is scarce. Until the economy stabilizes this country should not be a top contender for immigration.

I immediately clicked with New Zealand from the safety and nature after doing research on it for about two years until I finally decided to go. It is exactly what you see online, beautiful scenery, wonderful culture, and great food. At first I was in student accommodation but found that renting was more attractive to me as I prefer to make my own foods and have my own space. I found a lovely friend who became my flat mate so everything worked out in my year. On days when I didnt have classes I always took the opportunity to hop on the train and find tracks to hike. Having no major predators I always felt extremely safe even in early mornings or nights. I've made friends for life here and I cant wait to explore more with my education.

I studied at Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka through Arcadia University's study abroad program (US-based) during trimester 1 and had the most incredible experience! It was lovely traveling all around Aotearoa, but I loved Wellington, and if I could do it all over again, that is definitely the city I would have chosen to live in. It is quirky and artsy and fun, and the public transit (buses and trains) was super affordable and reliable. I made lots of friends and got to feel a sense of home in the city. I especially recommend this study abroad program for creative writers (although everyone would enjoy it) because of the International Institute of Modern Letters, which offers incredible creative writing courses you can apply to! I took two IIML courses during my trimester and learned so much, in addition to making lots of friends. Wellington and VUW were definitely the right choice for me, and I'd strongly recommend it as a place to study abroad!