ANR: 346849
Name: Annika Zwanenberg
E-mail: annikazwanenberg@hotmail.com
Exchange semester: fall, 2014
Academic year: 3rd
Host University: Victoria University of Wellington
Country: New Zealand
I GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Victoria University of Wellington is located in the capital of New Zealand, Wellington. The
main campus is called Kelburn, which is located on the top of the hill. This is approximately a
10 minutes’ walk to the city center. The campus of economics, the Pipitea campus, is located
in the Central Business District of Wellington, which is in front of the Governments Buildings.
This is the campus of law courses. The engineering campus is called Te Aro, located in the
old city center.
Wellington is the coolest little capital in the world. Nicknames of Wellington are The Windy
City and Windy Wellington, because the Cook Straight leads to strong gales. Besides, it is
New Zealand’s’ art and cultural capital. It feels like a big village with a multicultural
atmosphere. From origin, 65% of the New Zealand’ population is European, whereas 15% is
Chinese, and 15% is Maori (the Polynesian people). Moreover, there are plenty of
international students studying at Victoria University every trimester (+- 200 per trimester),
and Wellington is the base of the ferries to the South Island, so many backpackers stay
overnight in this city. This all leads to a great nightlife from Wednesday to Saturday.
Wellington, the southwestern tip of the North Island, is the perfect base for discovering New
Zealand’s nature. During the weekends, I travelled around the north island by car or took the
plane to Auckland. During holidays, I flew to Christchurch or took the ferry to the South Island.
The best places to go in Wellington are CBS, Cuba Street, and Courtney Place for buying
groceries, shopping, drinking a coffee or enjoying the nightlife. For relaxing and enjoying the
views, I went to the civic square.
Close to the CBS, there is a small island: Matiu/Somos Island. The ferry takes 20 minutes,
and brings you to an island with a pristine nature reserve. Moreover, close to the center are
several mountain bike trails, Lord of the Rings movie sets, hikes, seal colonies and
watersports (surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing).
The biggest difference with Tilburg is that New Zealanders are more sociable. They trust
people, love to chat, want to help you anywhere, and are very environmentally friendly. This
all leads to a very safe environment. For example, the front door of my house has never been
locked, same as my room. Furthermore, accidents rarely happen, and I walked alone at night.
The study structure in New Zealand is different as well. Students can choose their own
courses. My international buddy is studying Italian and Taxation, which is a weird combination
in my opinion. Moreover, high schools and universities are accessible for every student.
There are merely requirements, making the courses easier than in The Netherlands.
II PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Information before you left & visa procedure
Tilburg University informed me that I was selected for the exchange to Wellington in
December 2013. I had to sign the exchange contract before February 10 th, and I had to do the
English Language Test in March 2014. I received the pre-arrival information from my host
university in May 2014. Everything was well arranged, apart from the start date in combination
with the grades of the first year courses of Tilburg University. I had a resit for Statistics 1 and
Macroeconomics in June, but the academic year in Wellington started in July. As a result,
there was relatively little time between grading the first year courses, so the teachers
uploaded the grades in blackboard one week before departure. Besides, there is no New
Zealand’ embassy in The Netherlands, so I had to send all the forms and passport to London.
This normally takes 3 weeks, but I didn’t know that. Only when I officially knew that I passed
my first year courses (end of June), I sent all my forms and passport to London at the end of
June. Since my flight was 2nd of July, it caused a lot of stress. My recommendation: arrange
the visa immediately after being officially accepted at the University, regardless of whether
you
earned
enough
ECTS.
Arrival & orientation/introduction activities
In May 2014, I received several emails from Victoria University of Wellington. The university
has a pick-up service and the opportunity for getting an international buddy. I chose both. A
few weeks prior to my departure, I got in contact with my International Buddy. We were
matched after a long questionnaire. She gave me lots of advice and helped me to arrange
everything. The pick-up service of VUW was perfect. I emailed my flight number and
estimated time of arrival. In the arrivals hall, they had been waiting and took me to my
accommodation, irrespective of whether you booked a campus room or fixed something by
yourself.
Two days prior to the start of the trimester, VUW organized a welcome week for international
students. During those days, courses were confirmed or could be changed, I received my
timetable, and they told about the facilities and student/study/sport associations and
organized activities to get to know other international students.
Housing
In the pre-arrival mail of VUW, they informed me about the housing possibilities in Wellington.
One of the opportunities was to live on campus. I preferred living on a campus, because this
is the best way to meet other international students. I arranged this in June.
I lived in Wai-te-ata apartments. There were 12 apartments for 4 to 5 persons, depending on
whether a kiwi lived in the house. I had 4 roommates: 2 American boys, 1 American girl, and
1 kiwi. A kiwi is someone from New Zealand, who can help you during the exchange period. It
is a perfect way to get in touch with New Zealand’s habits and customs. Many of my close
friends lived in the same apartments, so I always had people around me. However,
sometimes I retreated to my room, which was fully furnished.
Living Costs
- Flight: I bought my flight last-minute. This cost me €1850 instead of €1300/€1400
roundtrip.
- Accommodation (Wai-te-ata apartments): NZD$4875 for 19 weeks (1 trimester),
because everyone is travelling around New Zealand or Australia after the trimester.
- Food: NZD$150 per week. Most of the vegetables and meat are more expensive than
The Netherlands, apart from NZ steak. Every Sunday there are two fruit&vegie
markets around Wellington. Fruit and vegetables are much cheaper on those
markets.
- Books: There is a special facebook: VUW book trade. Lots of students try to sell their
second hand books on this facebook page. I bought all my books (some new, some
2nd hand) for NZD$200 in total.
- Transport: In Wellington you do not need a public transport card, because everything
is within walking distance. However, my kiwi advised me to buy a Snapper-card (OV
card) for NZD$10, and you automatically get 40% off on every ride. I used this two
times (so not worth it).
- Miscellaneous: Alcohol is very expensive. The cheapest drink in the bar is NZD$10.
Moreover, going on trips cost lots of money. I spent around NZD$4000 for trips.
I financed everything with the Dutch ‘studiefinanciering’ system and the monthly OV-fee.
Moreover, my parents gave me spending money monthly, and used my saving money.
Academic Calendar
Academic period: July 14th till November 14th.
Arrival date: July 5th and Introduction week started Wednesday 9th of July.
Midterm break: last week of August and first week of September
Examination period: October 20th till November 14th. (I was finished on October 31st)
The International Office
Yes, there is an international office. They are responsible for the welcome week, and give all
the needed information regarding the arrival/courses/exams/visa/insurance. Everything was
well arranged.
Exchange promotion
 I attended several activities which were organized for international students. One evening
we had to create questions about our University and opportunities of the student town.
This was the perfect way to promote Tilburg University for other international student and
local students who are interested in studying abroad.
 I took part in the Victoria International Leadership Program. This is a free, self-paced,
extracurricular program aimed at enhancing degree study and making participants more
globally aware. This gave me the opportunity to cooperate in several projects and to
teach students from New Zealand the Dutch language. In New Zealand are several
families with Dutch roots, who are interested in studying in The Netherlands. This was the
perfect opportunity to promote our University by telling all the study options, Dutch
lessons by Language Center, housing, and the study and student associations.
 Last years I was a rower of T.S.R. Vidar and we have obtained official match outfits with
the logo of Tilburg University. During exchange, I often participated in organized
competitions such as hockey, tennis, dodgeball, etc. Most of the time, I was wearing my
sport clothes with the Tilburg University logo. Fellow students and players often asked me
about Tilburg University. Therefore, it was easy to promote.
Social Activities
Victoria University of Wellington has a special office at the university who are responsible for
the international students. If you have questions about housing/activities/insurance, they can
always help you. In addition, they have a budget for organizing activities. Once or twice a
week there is an activity for international student. Those activities are (partly) for free.
Examples of activities are sport tournaments, free diner in a bar, free drinks in a pub, pot
lucks (every student cooks a traditional dish), etc. This is entirely without any obligation, so I
usually went once in the two weeks.
Moreover, there are several study/student associations in Wellington. In the beginning of the
trimester is a fair. All the associations got a stand and inform student about their goal and
activities. Most of the associations are a mix of both international and national student. It is
therefore easy to come into contact with kiwi’s. Very popular associations for international
students are the kayaking club, tramping club and sailing club. The tramping club organizes
every weekend trips to pristine areas with your own backpack, tent, and food. I had decided
not to participate in one of those associations, because I went on a trip almost every week
with my group of friends. An easy way was to rent a relocation car and travel around the
country.
Culture and Language
I did not experience a culture shock. This is because it is very Western orientated and the
official language is English. However, I experienced that the culture in New Zealand is more
relationship based. Inhabitants are more polite, like to have a conversation, and are genuinely
interested and happy to help you. This is the opposite of our culture, where efficiency and
straight-forwardness are important. I also noticed that we have a very open personality. We
like to share our feelings and are very tolerant compared to other international students. In
The Netherlands is no taboo on gender, ethnicity or homosexuality, whereas I have noticed
that my American roommates were not ‘allowed’ to talk about those topics. Kiwi’s behave the
same as Dutch students, however they will never make rude comments, what is normal in
Netherlands without being very silly.
I experienced no language barriers, because everyone talks English. However, there is the
New Zealand ‘slang’ making the language more difficult. However, you adopt very easy and
use some typically New Zealand words: jendals (flip flops), Barbie (bbq) and bach (holiday
home).
Personal Development
I learned from exchange that I must have fewer prejudices. In addition, I have learned that I
need to be more flexible in some situations. Usually, I want to have planned everything in
advance, so that everything is fixed. During exchange I realized that this is not possible. Most
of the students plan their activities last minute and/or it can change the day of departure. This
will definitely influence my future career. I still want to schedule and outline everything in
advance, while I do realize that some things can go differently.
The best experience was that I met so many new friends who come from all over the world.
Everyone has the same interests for going on exchange to New Zealand, and most of the
students had gone alone. This ensures that there was a very relaxed atmosphere, where
everyone quickly opened up to meet new people. Almost every weekend I went on trips with
amazing people that has created memorable moments.
The worst experience was that the grandfather of a New Zealand friend died. I suddenly
realized that life goes on while I am on the other side of the world. At that moment I felt very
far away from my friends and family.
I will never forget this exchange, because I did everything I wanted and it was much better
than I expected . I met so many cool people from all around the world, and we will see again
next summer. Moreover, I discovered the beautiful landscapes of new Zealand by car, hitch
hiking, taking the bus, plane or I walked. My thought regarding beautiful places definitely
changed. The most beautiful places are the places where no one else is at that moment.
Moreover, New Zealand has everything: glaciers, possibilities for skiing or snowboarding, top
10 most beautiful beaches, city life in Auckland or Wellington, beautiful lakes and mountains,
etc.
III ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Academic level at a host university
All courses are offered in English. Since all my courses are in English in Tilburg, this was not
a problem. The teachers take any spelling or grammar mistake into account for international
students. But do not forget, as Dutchman you speak very good English compared to Southern
European, Asian or African students. My course were:
1. Negotiating Across Borders. I would definitely recommend this course, because most
of the exchange students take this course, so it is easy to come into contact with
them. Moreover, you learn a lot about cultural differences and how to use this in
business negotiations. In addition, after the first and last week your fellow students
may give you a reputation score. This is a score based on how you come across.
This is very interesting, because it is important for first meetings in business and you
learn how to deal with this. Remember, all the lectures of this course (once a week)
are mandatory. For this course is no final exam. The grade only consists of 4
assignments.
2. Applied Finance. In my curriculum are the courses Finance 1 and Finance 2. Applied
Finance at VUW is a course where you apply in Excel all your previous knowledge of
Finance. Weekly lab tutorials make it very practical. Those lab tutorials are
mandatory, because every week you can earn 3% of your final grade by making small
exercises. This course has no final exam, but an excel assignment at the end of the
trimester and a midterm exam.
3. Introduction to Taxation. I had no knowledge in Taxation, but that was not required at
all. The course started with basic definitions and the structure of taxation rights in
New Zealand. Because this course is mainly aimed at the New Zealand tax policies, I
would not recommend this course to international students. It is completely different
from the Dutch system and you will barely use this knowledge in future life. This
course had both a midterm and a final exam.
4. Advanced Financial Accounting. This is a difficult course if you are not interested in
Accounting. I experienced Accounting 1 and Accounting 2 quite easy at Tilburg
University, but this course is a bit different. You have to learn all the theoretical
concepts of Accounting. This course a midterm, a final exam, as well as two small
theoretical assignments.
The academic level in New Zealand is lower than The Netherlands. This is due to the fact that
in New Zealand no difference is in secondary schools and no difference in HBO or University.
Everyone goes to University. The teachers explain most of the content very slowly, and the
relationship teacher/student is less formal than in The Netherlands.
The teaching method is the same. For most of the courses you have to do some assignments
and/or presentation, while there is an final exam as well.
Other
VUW has several campuses, each with many computer facilities and the possibility of renting
books. Most of the exchange students visited the facebook page ‘VUW book trade’ for buying
second-hand books, because new study books are very expensive in the book store.
Example:
Course name:
Prereq.
Exam
Major at BI
Approved as
(Common/elective/extra)
FINA203
Finance1
Excel
Common
7.5 ECTS
ACCY308
Accounting 1&2 Written
Common
7.5 ECTS
TAX201
none
Written
Common
7.5 ECTS
IBUS309
none
Assignments
Elective
7.5 ECTS
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Please fill in all the courses you have taken
Tips for the future students:
 Would you recommend an exchange period? Yes
 Would you recommend your host university? Definitely!
 What should prospective students absolutely not forget before going on exchange?
Backpack, sleeping bag, air bed, hiking boots, warm and cold clothes, ski jacket
 How can they better prepare before going on exchange to this destination? Keep in mind
that the embassy of NZ is located in London. It takes a few weeks for getting your
visa.
Photo 1: Law and
International Business
building of VUW
Overlooking the picturesque
Wellington
Landscapes:
Mount Cook
Lots of unspoiled beaches