<p>DS will go study abroad in New Zealand for 3 weeks during the winter break. We have a packing checklist, but, I am still nervous for him. He will take credits in natural science courses and will spend the majority of time in the field observing species and exploring the various environmental and geological features of NZ.</p>
<p>Anyone whose DS/DD has experience study abroad in NZ? Or anyone who has been to NZ can share the experience here? Thanks.</p>
<p>About communication, can DS purchase a calling card in NZ? He has the Verizon cell phone plan, is it better to get into some international calling plan temporarily instead? He is not going to stay in one place all the time. He will be staying in different hostels and backpackers in both North and South Island.</p>
<p>Both of my sons spent time in NZ – one for an entire semester, and the other for a short 10-week term. Both loved it. Awesome geograhpy, climate, people, and sheep. Lots and lots and lots of sheep.</p>
<p>Don’t know about the calling card; my sons’ experiences were in 2006 and 2009.</p>
<p>^^ Any experience with Massey University? It’s a long-shot possibility for DD2 for vet medicine, and anyone’s account of the University and the city would be useful…</p>
<p>My DD spent last spring semester at Massey. She had a great time. The city is not huge but decent and easy bus system. She and a group of friends rented a campervan, flew to the other island, spent their break driving across the whole thing. She also took several trips that were more of the weekend variety. If you have specific questions PM me and I’ll get her answers. She lived in an apartment style dorm with lots of other international students but did make friends with local students and was able to travel with them. Spent a weekend on a family farm, etc.</p>
<p>Forgot to say, for longer stays the students generally buy a NZ phone (which she did). You can also switch out your sim card but not if you have an iphone (which she does).</p>
<p>^^ How is the school system there compared to the US? DD is a 1950 SAT, 4-5 AP, in the top 20% of her class student, ie., not stellar academically for a US elite, but certainly not bad. How good a fit would Massey be academically, and do you know anything at all about their Vet program?</p>
<p>I know nothing about their vet program. My D Is an education major. she was very far ahead in credits due to APs so she took English, History of NZ, and other general courses. They tend to have less work throughout the semester and a heavier emphasis on exams and larger papers than the US college she attends. her grades were just fine considering how much time she spent travel ing and having fun.</p>
<p>I studied abroad in New Zealand in 2009 and it was an incredible experience that forever changed my life. It was truly the catalyst to putting me on the career path that I’m on now, which will hopefully result in helping other students study abroad! I currently work at a study abroad review website company, and wrote a blog about what parents can do to make the transition abroad smoother for both you and your kids! You can find the post here: ■■■■■■/zhAm5d</p>
<p>My good friend spent a summer in New Zealand with her family and engineer husband while he did research. She said it was beautiful and very safe. She recommended it as a study abroad option for our son. A young lady at Bama is doing a semester abroad there in a couple of weeks, so I hope to get some feedback from her!</p>
<p>my daughter is going to victoria univ in wellington, nz for the spring semester (feb 24 through july 5). she and a friend of hers, both bama students, are going together. they are also taking advantage of the rugby program through CIS at Victoria University. We are probably very unprepared and have no idea what to expect. We did get the Visa, was very easy. Have the flights. Paid the tuition. All UA scholarship $s were applied to this program, so there was no extra cost for us. We are very excited.</p>
<p>My son is already in NZ with Lewis & Clark’s program. He flew down on 12/30 spending New Year’s Eve on the plane. So far, communications have been spotty as his group is traveling around before going to Victoria University in Wellington. Communications consisted of an arrival text and two emails. So far, he’s turning tan, spent two days on an awesome boat, landed on a beach in a small plane, done a lot of sea kayaking, swimming a lot and hiking. It sounds like it’s been a awesome vacation so far. Actually, it’s a biology/science emphasis program, so I assume they’re doing field study/research between the fun times. </p>
<p>Communications have been spotty because a lack of internet access and he refuses to use his cell phone to make a call because of the cost (we’d pay). Hopefully, once they get to Wellington, communications will get better, but after Wellington, they explore the North Island.</p>
<p>just posting to say I still have DDs NZ cel if anyone can use it and wants to pm me an address I will mail it. Minutes can be added when you are in NZ. I couldn’t see throwing it away but I have no idea what to do with it.</p>