Program Reviews

I absolutely loved studying at VUW for a semester, so much that I wish I had the opportunity to do my entire degree there! The people were all so lovely and I felt right at home from the second I started. Classes were challenging but manageable, a good quality for study abroad courses. I would highly recommend anyone to study abroad at VUW because they have heaps of opportunities for everyone! Campus life at VUW was definitely more than ideal; the hub at the Kelburn campus is a great place to hang out in between classes and get some quick review studying in when needed. There are also plenty of affordable food and drink options around campus for an in-between class treat! The international student activities were a hit and I met many people from all over through attending their events. These activities ranged from group hikes (tramps, as kiwis would say), eating dumplings and playing pool, watching Pitch Perfect 2 in the comfiest movie theatre around, sporting events, to potluck dinners and ice cream socials. All of the staff in the international student department were so friendly and welcoming, helping me feel right at home from the start of my experience until the end. It was also nice to live with people who understood what it felt like to be so far from home. There were plenty of opportunities to meet locals other than the housing situations. VUW did a great job at paring my house together, we all got along very well. I could tell you I had a terrible time, but then I'd be a liar. My time spent at VUW was easily the best time of my life so far, and that is no exaggeration at all!

I am Jojo from Thailand. I like to do a lot of new stuffs all the time, one day I thought ‘why not go study aboard?’ and that was how my story begins.

Before I came here, it was really terrified, many things that I worried about, like what if I cannot make new friends, what if I cannot pass the course, what if something go on my trip. With the help of international office, if you can remember my email, I have emailed you like a million times about many stuffs, they answer all of my questions and give me as much as information they have. That was a huge relieve.
After I got here, it was extremely exciting and super terrifying at the same time. Anyway the first week went well, I make a lot of friends at orientation and we still hang out so far. I went to many places in wellington, I went to Victoria mountain to see the view of wellington that’s so stunning, I went to Somes Islands just last week and that was the first time I see the sheep and lamb, that was amazing! Besides the activities in wellington, I found out that the classes in Victoria are so exciting too. Even though the classes in Victoria University are quite different from my home university, but I like it here even more than my home university, we have tutorials that gave us opportunities to discuss with other student; this expended my point of view in life. The facility both in university and Wellington are so convenience, the system was designed very systematic and easy to understand. The last thing I like about the exchange opportunity is Kiwi people are SO NICE, they are easy to talk to, very generous, and the most I like is their accent even it’s very fast but the tone of speaking are so cool!
I would not regret to going aboard at New Zealand and I believe that whoever want to come here will not regret it too!

I was a bit worried coming here to Wellington but everyone is so welcoming here, the international office organises great trips and it is very easy to find and make new friends.
I have classes at both Pipitea Campus and Kelburn Campus so my hall (Katharine Jermyn) is right in between them with a 10/15 minute walking distance. Shops and Restaurants are very close by aswell.
The International Buddy Program is amazing, my buddy showed me around the first few days when I arrived and made me feel very welcomed straight away- I would definitely recommend joining the program.

Honestly I would recommend to everyone to come study here for a semester or two, it will be a once in a lifetime experience.

It was a correct choice that I had given up the other exchange program since I knew I was able to study VUW.
Studying:
I quite love study here because every one here keeps beautiful and sunshiny smile and is very very polite. In addition, professors try their best to help you to make out your questions.
I love the Website 'Blackboard' of VUW that I can know everything I should do in few days and also check the grades in present after I submitted my homework.
Housing:
My friend who study here before recommended me to live in home stay and I chose it. Living in Wellington is a healthy choice by fresh air, safety traffic and sweet milk. I am so impressed about the drivers here who stopped and waited for me kindly when I was reaching to cross road.
Sometimes I also visit my friends house in Uni. They just likes a family, washing dishes, hosting party and potluck all together, which seems like that they have known each other for a long time but not actually.
All in all, Victoria University of Wellington is a warm place to study, likes a library, palace filled with various knowledge, where I thought that is a dream place.

Victoria International did a great job from the very first week upon arrival. I was provided free transportation from the Airport to my dormitory and I was given an information packet with a free SIM card so I could have an active cell phone# soon after arriving in New Zealand. The first few days of orientation for International students was very helpful and the free tours of Wellington during the first weekend was very helpful in getting to know the area. Also, the mixers for all International students and participants in the International buddy program were very nice and made us all feel welcome and allowed us to meet new people.

The more time I spend here the more I fall in love with the people, places, and everything in between. I am not a city person, but Wellington has such a lively, friendly, and unique vibe that makes it hard not to love. It is also really easy to travel outside of the city and explore the wilderness if you want to get away for a bit. People are also really friendly and eager to adventure, so it's not hard to find good company to join you.

The university is also great. I like my class structures and my teachers are all very passionate and seem to actually care whether or not we learn. The international program has also been very helpful. I signed up for an international buddy and I am so happy I did. We initially clicked and are now really close and she has introduced me to lots of her kiwi friends. I am even spending Christmas and New Years with her and her family on the South Island. You never know who you're going to meet when you sign up!

So far coming to New Zealand is the best choice I have ever made. Not just because the people, the city, the university, and the outdoors are amazing, but also because I try to take advantage of any opportunity that I can. This opens so many doors for me and you never know where it will lead you.

Although I arrived in July when it is during the winter of Wellington, I can still feel the warmth that it provides.
Firstly, I would like to talk about my university hall which locates extremely close to Kelburn (the campus). The kiwimate in my flat is really energetic and warmhearted. It really makes me feel at home. Had it not been for my flatmates' selfish help, I wouldn't have got used to the life in New Zealand and got rid of the jet lag.
Then comes my campus life here. What really surprises me most is that every class has a tutor or more. They are all willing to help. During the class, you can not only learn the basically academic knowledge but also deepen it through the discussions and movies displayed in class. Besides, the library is built so considerately that it has been a place I frequent in the weekdays.
Last but not least, the most interesting part is the daily life here. Though there is some downhills, I always consider them as a natural gym. Until now, I've been to bars, ballrooms and so on. What is different from what I supposed them to be is that they are not similar to the forbidden areas in my own country. That is to say, they are good places for us to relax ourselves.
It's really my pleasure to study here and to acquaint myself with a group of interesting friends. Also, if it is possible, I would like to recommend this charming and amazing city to you.

Studying in Wellington has proved to be one of the most enlightening, beautiful experiences of my life. VUW is a great school, offering lots of academic help and support for international students. VUW administration are really good about making students feel welcomed and integrated into the campus's community. Off campus, Wellington stands as one of the hippest little cities with a really thriving community that offers something for every individual: Cozy cafés, quaint restaurants, happenin' bars, and awesome live music venues. What's great about being in Wellington is that you have all of the amenities that come with living in a big city, but at the same time you are close enough to many incredible nature spots, hikes, and national parks. You're also fairly close to an airport, making it easy and accessible to rent cars, or fly to anywhere in the nation or the Pacific.

Not only is Wellington the ideal location for a city, but it is also the perfect place to have a university! I am studying for one trimester at Victoria University of Wellington. So far it has been wonderful. The courses are challenging, yet exciting, and all of my professors are extremely supportive. I am taking a paper on the Treaty of Waitangi and my professor has not only answered my endless questions, but also reached out to me on her own to make sure I was understanding the terminologies and concepts because I am foreign. UniHall is also an amazing place to live. The housing team at Vic is efficient and welcoming, I have never felt like I was on my own when it came to housing. Any issue I have is dealt with immediately, but issues are rare anyway! I have really been enjoying my time here at Vic, there is so much to get involved in club wise, as well! I recommend Victoria's canoe club and all of the international programs that are offered!

In general I'd say the exchange programme at Victoria is excellent, and the International office really does a lot to help you settle in Wellington. The university has a lot of great offers and facilities, that you can take advantage of either for free or for what I would consider a cheap fee. I feel well taken care of and when I had an accident that resulted in an injury I could even go to the doctor and get physiotherapy at the Kelburn campus. Awesome!

New Zealand itself is a beautiful place and Wellington certainly is as well. It's very different from what I am used to from Europe, which is great. Just be prepared to walk up and down hills all day :)