Conservation & Preservation Study Abroad Programs in New Zealand

I had the most wonderful time studying abroad in Wellington. Vic U is a great institution with plenty of courses to choose from, an active student life, and supportive staff. Wellington itself is a vibrant city with amazing food tons of things to do and wonderful people.

I studied abroad in Spring of 2019 for Trimester 1 at Victoria University Wellington in New Zealand. I usually try my very best to not have expectations before going into things, so that way I can experience whatever was meant to happen to its fullest, and I have to say, even if I had expectations this program and this experience would've blown them out of the water. With AIFS a single all-inclusive fee paid for my tuition, housing, insurance, most meals, excursions, and travel. I opted in for the travel payment because I also went to Fiji through the optional Pacific Studies program and I didn't want the flights to get too overcomplicated. I spent my first week abroad in Fiji doing a cultural immersion/university learning program, and it included going to the University of the South Pacific for lectures on a few of the days and basking in the beauty of Fiji for the rest. We spent our last day at a resort, which, needless to say, was stunning. In New Zealand, I was able to go to many different parts of the country through AIFS-funded excursions. From visiting the studio where LOTR was made, to relaxing in a Polynesian hot spa, I really felt like I was able to see New Zealand. In addition, the city that I stayed in was right on the coast, so the ocean was literally just a few minutes' walk from my house. Once I even saw a shark just swimming around! I could really go on about how amazing my time was, and how much I'm looking forward to returning one day to continue my adventures, but I will just say that choosing to study abroad in Wellington, New Zealand through AIFS (with the optional Pacific Studies program) was the best decision of my life, and I highly highly recommend to any and everyone who is able.

I've spent the last 3 months part of the Adventure Guide Program in Queenstown, travelling to some of the most stunning parts of New Zealand hiking and learning to climb. We started off as 11 strangers but after 90 days living together, travelling, exploring, learning, growing, and pushing ourselves, we're now a little family who raise each other up. We've achieved so much together (and I'm not just talking about all the qualifications we bossed), I'm so glad I made the decision to join the Pure Ex crew!

Hi there! My name is Alissa and I studied abroad in Wellington, New Zealand spring semester of my sophomore year in college thanks to AIFS. Before the start of my trip in the beautiful island of Fiji, I always felt supported and connected to AIFS. Beginning with my mentor answering all of my emails, consisting of what seems like a million questions (along with my curious parents), in a timely manner which left the pre-departure process feeling inclusive and not like I was left alone to figure it all out for myself. This feeling continued throughout my time abroad, and still holds true today. LIVING I was placed in a house "off campus" which was a short five minute walk from campus, not to mention a view of a rugby field from my kitchen window. This cute little New Zealand flat (as the kiwi's would call a home) was the home of mine and two others, one from England and the other from California. From a social aspect, I really enjoyed how AIFS placed me with other international students from different programs so we were able to meet people in other programs and from different countries. CLASS at Uni College is known as Uni here in this country. Victoria University Of Wellington's campus gives off a modern and hip vibe. There is a lot happening and it was cool to attend school with the local kiwis and Maori. Many AIFS students were in the same classes while being really immersed with the culture of attending school in a different country while still having the comfort of already knowing some students on campus. All classes were taught in English, and I must say the New Zealand accent is nice on the ears. TRANSPORTATION Luckily, my flat was located a 1 minute walk from a stop for the infamous Wellington cable car. The cable car ran from 7am-10pm and was a great way to be transported to downtown Wellington or up to the botanical gardens for a view of the city. Besides the cable car, Uber was always an option as long as you are okay with riding on the left side of the road. Or even better, you can walk almost anywhere if you are willing to (and get a good work out while you're at it because of all of the hills). FREE TIME AIFS created a great network of connections and lifelong friends that I am still in contact with to this day. As a group, we voted on the group trips we wanted to take. We took a trip to Rotorua, a town in the North Island known for their geothermal pools and close by to the Hobbiton movie set. Also for any sports lovers, we got to attend a Hurricanes rugby game at Wellington's Westpac stadium. Besides the organized excursions, it was not hard to find a travel buddy to explore this country with. I took 3 separate trips to the South Island and rented a car/van with friends to travel across the island in. Bring your cameras! Pretty much everywhere you look, anywhere in this place has something beautiful to look at and capture. This country is home to the adventure capital of the world and after my travels here I can really see why. WEATHER It's not called "Windy Welly" for nothing. Seriously, bring a rain jacket and lots of layers. When I arrived in February, it was this country's last month of summer so, thankfully there was some time with 75 degree (F) weather and sunshine. June and July are the coldest and rainiest months of the year while December, January, and February are the warmest. So if you are looking to escape the cold, driving north (not south, south is colder) will lead you to a bit more warmth and probably a beautiful black sand beach.

I had one of the greatest times in my life going on a Pacific Discovery trip. It was incredible and I learned more about myself then I ever imagined I would. Rach and Scotty led the trip and they were amazing guides and teachers. I have always highly recommended this type of trip to students who might feel stuck in college or not sure what to do. The trip will open up your eyes to new experiences, cultures, and make you think about how to live your life in a more adventurous way. Wish I could do it all over again and experience everything I did again for the first time. Cheers, Gregg Starr

Pacific Discovery planned out the trip incredibly, and everything we did was mind-blowing. The trip really allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and experience new things that I definitely would not be able to do at home. The program also really allowed me to explore myself as a person in a way that I never have before. I felt like I really grew through all the activities we did and through any hardships that we had (we had very few though). Overall, I had the time of my life and learned so much, especially with two incredible instructors, Beth and Stacey.

Choosing Pacific Discovery was the best decision I could have made for my gap semester. Every single aspect of this trip was above and beyond what I thought it could be. I had the most incredible time and made lifelong friends. I cannot recommend this program enough. The places we visited, the people we met, our guide (Holly is the coolest person ever), and all of the incredible things we did are experiences I will never forget. New Zealand and Australia are two incredibly exciting and fun countries, and were so much fun to explore and travel through. The entire program was incredible and I would do it again and again if I could.