Program Reviews

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 :)

Wellington is a great city with a very special atmosphere and I enjoy living here as if it is my second home! The VIC staff is very professional and easy to approach, which makes it feel like a big family. Also the Uni Hall housing is great!

Wellington is you place if you want a small touch, reachable by foot. A town that appreciates culture and that is absolutely in love with rugby (remember we are in New Zelanad). If you love outdoor activities this is your place!
Since the beginning VUW has organised different activities to help us to meet other internationals students. We travel, we party and we study having loads of fun together. Definitely a very good option. I've met other students from all around the world and that is really enriching.
The classes are quite good, I study engineering an I have a 4h lab every week of each of the subjects. So you always get to see how the things you learn in theory can be applied in real life. The teachers have been very helpful since the beginning and have offered me help with some extensions at the start of the course when I was a bit lost with uni.
Travelling: there are many things to see in NZ!!! Renting a car is the best option an is quite cheap compared to the prizes in Europe (around 33NZ$ per day). In the weekends you have time to travel but things are quite far away and normally the rides are very long. But there are some amazing places to visit in the North island and the north of the South island that can be visited in a weekend. Also, there is a mid-term break of two weeks that would give you plenty of time to see the places that are further away.
For living I recommend Uni Hall, they are flats really near to uni of around 5 roommates and you have space to organise parties and stuff. However, for those that don't want to buy, cook and clean I strongly recommend you to go to TPV(Te Puni Village). It is like 3' walk from Kelburn campus. This residence hall is full of first-year kiwis and it is good to get to know locals because living in a flat means going with international students 90% of the time. So I am very happy in TPV.

I would therefore recommend anyone to come here!! You are going to enjoy the program a lot!!

Coming here from another continent and get settle down in a new country is not easy. However, with the great help from the school and the well arranged programmes, it makes this exchange really smooth and a lot of opportunities are provided for us to meet new friends and exploring the wonders of new zealand. I have really enjoyed my time here as an exchange student.

I've been in Wellington for a few weeks now and haven't regret my choice for a second. Wellington is a nice city with beautiful surroundings. Many other beautiful places easy to go to and are perfect for a weekend trip.
Living in the UniHall is also great. You get to know a lot of new people before the study even starts. The Uni service is also great and they reply quickly when you have any questions.