Location
  • New Zealand
    • Wellington
Term
Fall, Spring
Subject Areas
Art History Business Communications Conflict Studies Conservation and Preservation Economics Film Finance Geography Geology Global Studies Graphic Design History Humanities Interior Design Marketing Philosophy Political Science Psychology Public Relations Sociology Web Design +12
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Apartment
Language
English

Pricing

Price Details
Housing is an additional cost to the Program Cost listed on the ISA website. Additionally, Massey University and Victoria University supports ISA students with several scholarships each year.
Sep 27, 2021
Jun 07, 2018
14 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Come spend a semester or academic year in Wellington with ISA! Spend your term at one of two world-renown universities, Massey University or Victoria University of Wellington.

Study abroad at Victoria University of Wellington, a strong research based institute established in the late 1800's. With over 21,000 students, 3,000 of which are international, Victoria University prides itself on its diversity just as much as it's large domestic student body.

Massey Wellington is home to New Zealand's most prestigious arts school, the College of Creative Arts, where students can grow their skills and creativity with top professors and state-of-the-art equipment.

Located on the southern tip of NZ's North Island, Wellington is a vibrant, dense city with an energetic atmosphere and nightlife. With all of the outdoor opportunities around New Zealand at your fingertips, this is an unbeatable destination for any outdoor enthusiast. Check out the rest of the info on the ISA website!

This program is currently not being promoted on Go Overseas by its provider. Check with ISA (International Studies Abroad) for the most up-to-date information regarding the status of this program.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

BIPOC Support

Our team at ISA is committed to providing exceptional support through identity-focused advising and resources for students, university partners, and ISA staff. We have developed our ISA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee to help serve all students and stakeholders, particularly the needs of underrepresented student populations. Our country-specific diversity pages offer information about the societies and cultural history of ISA destinations. This information can be used to start your reflection about how your intersecting identities relate to the host community context.

LGBTQIA+ Support

Our team at ISA is committed to providing exceptional support through identity-focused advising and resources for students, university partners, and ISA staff. We have developed our ISA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee to help serve all students and stakeholders. Our country-specific diversity pages offer information about the societies and cultural history of ISA destinations. This information can be used to start your reflection about how your intersecting identities relate to the host community context.

Neurodivergent Support

ISA is committed to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of neurodivergence. Our Health & Safety team is available to answer questions about insurance and medication, as well as provide students with materials on overseas access to support.

Accessibility Support

ISA is committed to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of accessibility. With our wide portfolio of program types and locations we’re confident there is a suitable and accessible program for each student. Accommodations abroad can be complex and take time, so those with accessibility needs should inform ISA of any accommodations requests as early as possible in the advising process. Please contact accessibilityteam@studiesabroad.com with questions or for more information.

Impact

Sustainability

We have partnered with Fill it Forward to engage team members and program participants in waste reduction practices. The goal is to encourage the elimination of single-use waste. Every QR code scan shows the impact of reusable bottles and unlocks a donation to environmental impact groups.

Ethical Impact

WorldStrides, a global organization, is committed to educate and serve communities worldwide. Our commitment is fueled by the passion of our team members and partners to make experiential learning accessible, while also being socially, environmentally, and ethically responsible. Together, we accomplish this by investing in initiatives to promote inclusion, diversity, and sustainability.

Scholarships

ISA Scholarships

ISA by WorldStrides Diversity Scholarship

This scholarship is offered for summer and semester programs and is intended for students with identities historically underserved in education abroad. This can include, but is not limited to, individuals who identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, LGBTQIA+, First-Generation College Students, U.S. Military Veterans, students with disabilities, and/or students at Minority-Serving Institutions.

Value
$2,500 - $5,000

Program Reviews

4.89 Rating
based on 9 reviews
  • 5 rating 88.89%
  • 4 rating 11.11%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 3.9
  • Support 4.1
  • Fun 4.55
  • Housing 4.55
  • Safety 4.8
Showing 1 - 8 of 9 reviews
Default avatar
Andreas
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Once in a life time opportunity

My experience abroad was incredible. I met so many people and made some of my best friends abroad. Every experience was new and exciting. I learned more then I could have possibly imagined and wouldn't trade this experience for anything. I was able to discover so much much about myself and really put myself to the test leaving behind everyone I know and loved. This experience left me with a feeling of great accomplishment and Im already planning my next trip back!

72 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Corlis
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Kiwi Semester

There's a quote that overlooks where The Boatshed sits along Wellington Harbor. "It's true you can't live here by chance. You have to do and be, not simply watch or even describe. This is the city of action. The world headquarters of the verb-" - Lauris Edmon.

I got to do it, I got to 'be' and 'do' because of ISA. Even if you're a shelled-up introvert like me, you will be given the chance to experience New Zealand in a way that you may never have had if going in alone.

I was safe, but was exposed to adventurous wonder. I stood on my own, but never had to fear of being alone in a time of need. My ISA program pulled out all the stops to make sure that I had the best experience while abroad. Whanau, as it's called in Maori. Family. That's what we were in our own little way. Whether it was a white water rafting excursion or getting a question answered about how to adjust to the new courses in New Zealand, there was a network of support that was neither distant nor smothering.

So, have fun, whether it's becoming a turmeric latte regular at Fidel's and picking up a new book at the Pegasus Book Shop, or if it's bungee jumping in Queenstown during break. Take advantage of the program. You won't regret it.

What would you improve about this program?
The program was awesome. A bit pricey though, which was the only negative about it.
81 people found this review helpful.
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Default avatar
Kiana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Loving Life in Welly!

I have had a great experience so far in Wellington. Right off the bat I got to meet a lot of cool people in my program during orientation, which made the whole transition a lot easier. I've made some incredible friends here and have gotten to go on so many fun trips around New Zealand - I feel like I've seen a really good amount of this country! Of course, I have had my ups and downs (all of which your friends will be there to help you through) but I wouldn't trade my experience for anything in the world. I made the best decision in coming to Wellington and I'm already getting sad to leave my new second home. I'm living a dream right now :)

What would you improve about this program?
Can't think of anything!
80 people found this review helpful.
Ayla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A New Home

It’s hard to capture into words what it feels like to be truly happy. For me, that feeling came the day I realized that Wellington, New Zealand had danced its way so gracefully into my heart.

Studying abroad through ISA provided me with the perfect amount of structure, while allowing me to be independent. I will forever promote ISA's Bridging Cultures Program, as this multi-day orientation is an experience like none other that taught me a great deal about New Zealand's culture and lifestyle.

ISA's site support staff were also a huge perk to going through ISA. To sum it up, I received a phone call on my first day of "spring break" in Australia from my site specialist, who was just checking in to make sure I landed safely. The program staff's dedicate to their students i remarkable.

What would you improve about this program?
I think the students should have more of a say in the excursions. Additionally, I wish that my excursions had been planned out more in advance so that I could have scheduled my own travels around them.
80 people found this review helpful.
Emma
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

ISA Summed Up

Before arriving in New Zealand the staff at ISA helped keep me organized with all of the documents required to go overseas for the semester. They were definitely really good at making sure things were in on time too, and they were super flexible and understanding when situations came up. There was also a resource pack provided before going abroad that was filled with helpful tips, even what streets to go to when exploring Wellington! I felt prepared because of how much information ISA provided prior to my travels.

When I first arrived to the Auckland airport there was someone from ISA waiting with a sign to direct all of the students to the right place, which made me feel very comfortable from the start. The trip started in Auckland for a “Bridging Cultures” portion. Basically, we all spent the first few days together exploring Auckland and Rotorua while adjusting to our new “home,” New Zealand. It was a great bonding experience that I truly will remember for a lifetime. After this ended we finally made our way down to Wellington, where I was studying for the semester.

Upon arriving in New Zealand we then started to get to know our University. Once we were all settled in we started having occasional “excursions” that are included in the ISA program price. Our first excursion was a seal coast safari, it was super exciting and I developed a newfound love for New Zealand fur seals! Other excursions included a sleepover at the Wellington zoo, a private tour of the weta workshop, and a visit to Matiu/Somes Island. Our ISA Resident Director (RD) is the person who set all of these excursions up and went on them with us, she was also the person we could go to if we needed anything. ISA also provided us with a 24 hour free emergency line, that I thankfully never had to use (but it’s good to know it was an option). They definitely offered a lot of support while we were there and were really understanding with culture shock and all of that good stuff (they even educated us on how to deal with it).

When we were all getting ready to depart we had a nice goodbye dinner purchased by ISA and it was a good chance to see everyone together one last time before heading home. Our RD also made sure she knew everyones travel plans to be sure she knew when we were supposed to be leaving and going home.

After arriving back home I have received emails from ISA checking up on how everything was and informing me on more opportunities they offer for going abroad for things such as internships and service-learning. My RD also sent me a nice email saying goodbye and that she’s always here if I need anything. ISA has also kept me up-to-date on my transcript and when it should arrive at my home University and they provided us with alumni resources which include ways to develop a professional profile for my study abroad experience.

What would you improve about this program?
This program could be improved by having RD's at every University instead of every location. Our RD oversaw three different Universities and her office wasn't on our campus so it could be a hassle. I feel it would be useful for them to have less to oversee so they can get to know the residents better.

It also would have been nice if the residents had more say in what was done for excursions because we are the ones who actually pay for them. More research should be done for the excursions because the zoo sleepover that we had was actually directed towards younger children so we would have rather done something different--it would have been cool to go somewhere other than in Wellington and been able to explore more of NZ with ISA.
79 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Mayzie
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

No need for Sunshine

Modesty. Above all, modesty is what I've found on the campus and within the community of Victoria and Wellington. When you have this characteristic of individuals, it charges a wave of kindness and concern throughout businesses and authoritative figures. I've loved every minute here. The lack of sun is compromised by all the smiling faces.

What would you improve about this program?
More introduction to the city you'd be staying in, not Auckland.
78 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Colin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Bridging Cultures was the best part!

When I got to New Zealand, we had a day in Auckland and 5 in Waitomo for the Bridging Cultures Program. We were met at the airport in the early morning on arrival day, and had an incredibly busy week - the best way to avoid jet lag! There were around 15 Americans during my semester - July-December is always a small group.
We stayed at Kiwipaka, a great local hostel in Waitomo. There's a bar and small swimming pool and it's a launching pad for all sorts of activities. My group went caving through an underground river, getting to rappel down waterfalls. I used a free day to visit The Shire movie set from Lord of the Rings. We all learned the Haka and visited a Maori village where we ate a hangi, or Maori feast.
Through these activities, I got to know the other Americans and had some friends in NZ. It definitely eased my transition because when I got to Wellington I ran into my new friends around town - it's not a big place. Our group split into a few smaller segments that stayed close throughout the semester.
I didn't use GlobaLinks for much after that first week. However, when the Tongariro volcano erupted, they had great communication with my parents keeping them up to date and telling them that I was safe. I also met with Richard, our on-site director, for some travel advice for my trips to Australia and Fiji afterwards.

What would you improve about this program?
I really wish that there were more activities during the semester, especially the beginning part. Richard organized a few things, but I don't think many people attended. When you study abroad, you'll have a TON of free time and it's hard to use wisely. I would have loved more events to meet locals - and not just students.
77 people found this review helpful.
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garrettgrenier
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Vic Uni and Wellington, My Perfect Match!

My experience with AustraLearn's program at Victoria University of Wellington was simply amazing. I had unbelievable support from the staff at AustraLearn, the housing staff at Stafford House and from my professors and fellow students! My roommates were spectacular and incredibly nice and welcoming. Actually that can be said about everyone I met in New Zealand. They are very wonderful people and are more than willing to make sure you have a great experience. The capital city, Wellington, is the greatest little city on the planet. It has everything you need within reach and has amazing public transportation systems. Seriously, the bus system is fantastic, and if you need to get somewhere right away, cabs are always around. Waking up for class in the morning and walking up to campus was quick and convenient. The campus can be tricky to navigate, but once you locate your buildings for class, exploring is a blast. Finding little study nooks and hidden gardens makes the campus especially wonderful. With coffee shops and restaurants on every corner, you will never have to go far for an amazing meal, or just a quick snack. When you walk around the city, you wont want to blink. Interesting architecture, street art, and fun people are everywhere, especially on Cuba street. If you are a fan of nightlife, Wellington is your place. Visit Courtney Place for a great club experience, some house music and dubstep, or go to a calm relaxing sitting room bar like "The Library." Wellington even has a great beach and great wharf activities on the waterfront. All in all, Wellington is a place I called home right away, because it felt that way immediately, and I can't wait to go back!

80 people found this review helpful.
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Questions & Answers