Overview

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, formerly known as AustraLearn, offers semester and year abroad programs at Victoria University of Wellington. Victoria University of Wellington is located in Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant and cosmopolitan capital city. Victoria offers students the opportunity to live and study in New Zealand’s cultural, political, and intellectual capital.

Victoria has a strong research focus and was established in 1899 making it among the oldest universities in New Zealand. Victoria prides itself as a university with a significant international focus and a strong domestic base.

Wellington is known for its city buzz as well as the number of good cafes and lively night life. It is an energetic, compact city situated at the southern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, between a beautiful harbor and rolling green hills. The region offers a healthy lifestyle in a mild to temperate climate.

The University is home to over 21,000 students, including around 3,000 international students.

Location

Academic Highlights

Located in Wellington are Crown Research Institutes, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa, and national cultural assets such as the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Victoria has strong links with these institutions in both teaching and research, as well as with the city’s many other museums, archives, libraries, scientific institutes, cultural bodies, financial, legal and business institutions, and political and government agencies.

Victoria University prides itself on being world class in the areas of Earthquake and Antarctic Research and Music, where Victoria is home to the acclaimed New Zealand String Quartet. The University’s strengths also run to Film and Media Studies, Political Science and International Relations, Architecture and Design, and Earth Sciences.

In 2008, Humanities and Social Sciences at Victoria were ranked in the Top 100 in the world by the UK Times Higher Education Supplement (THES). Study abroad students have the opportunity to take a wide range of courses at different levels depending on the individual student’s background in the subject area.

Victoria University of Wellington's four campuses each host specific academic faculties:
 

• Kelburn Campus: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Engineering 
• Pipitea Campus: Faculty of Commerce and Administration, Faculty of Law 
• Te Aro Campus: Faculty of Architecture and Design 
• Karori Campus: Faculty of Education

University Services

Housing

As a GlobaLinks Learning Abroad student you are guaranteed pre-arranged accommodation to fit your lifestyle. There are a variety of housing options available which you will apply for after acceptance. Read below for more specific options offered at this university:

Accommodation is within walking distance to the Kelburn campus or close to one of the many public transport routes. Most study abroad students are sophomores or juniors, so the preferred option is often apartment style accommodation.

The Accommodation Service has a policy of placing students with a mixture of Kiwi students and other international students. This is seen as the best way for students to adjust to life in Wellington and to make new friends. It is important to apply for accommodation in advance of the appropriate deadline to have the best chance of securing your favored option.

Orientation

In addition to the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program which is included in your program fees VUW will provide a university specific orientation. The orientation program takes place one or two weeks prior to the first week of lectures. The program includes an official welcome, a traditional Maori welcome, performances, tours of the city and campus, an introduction to the VI staff, student services, and academic and course advice. After an enrollment briefing students finish the rest of the week by formally enrolling in courses.

Scholarships Available

In addition to the scholarships offered by GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, Victoria University of Wellington offers GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students scholarships to the value of $2,000 USD per year allocating the awards in two separate scholarships.

Special Programs/Excursions

Victoria International Leadership Program

Rugby or Golf Study Abroad

VUW's Rugby Study Abroad Program

Victoria University of Wellington offers a study abroad experience that combines New Zealand’s strengths of its rugby culture and quality university education. For an additional fee, semester/year abroad students can participate in the Rugby Study Abroad Program.

Men and women rugby players at all levels have the opportunity to enroll at VUW for one or two semesters and join the local club competition. You can indulge your passion in rugby while studying full-time at VUW. This program is only available during the February-June semester. Students should bring gear (playing gear and boots), but can purchase items in Wellington if necessary.

Features:
 

• Membership to the Old Boys University Rugby Club
• Free tickets to five Super 14 International games played in Wellington, the finest rugby in the world
• Free gym membership - train with the professionals
• Playing uniform from your team

VUW's Golf Study Abroad Program

Victoria University of Wellington offers GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students the opportunity to indulge their passion for golf as part of a unique and exciting study abroad experience. For an additional fee, as a study abroad student at Victoria University of Wellington, you will have the opportunity to incorporate your passion for golf into your semester abroad and experience a different side of the New Zealand culture. This program is exclusively offered to students studying abroad with AustraLearn.

Features:
 

• A full-time course load and credit to your home degree
• Full membership package at Shandon Golf Club, including five lessons with a PGA professional, comprehensive golf improvement plan, and free range balls
• Full membership at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, including one playing round with a PGA professional
• Branded starter pack including tees, balls, cap and pitch repairer
• Limited travel vouchers for local train & bus travel to the value of $100 NZD

Golf clubs, clothes, and shoes may be rented upon arrival for an additional cost.

Get Involved Abroad

Extracurricular Activities

With a student body of over 21,000, students are part of a community the size of a small town. Facilities include a main library, cafes, a bank, book center, computer shop, complimentary newspapers, recreation and cultural facilities, and a medical center.

The Students Association helps students in many ways and funds almost 100 social, sporting, cultural, and ethnic clubs, which help to make students feel at home in their new learning environment.

At the newly renovated Recreation Centre, open up to 16 hours a day, students can get involved in a wide variety of health and fitness activities, outdoor pursuits, dance classes, as well as arts and crafts.

Wellington has one of the best sports stadiums in New Zealand where international rugby and cricket games are played. With the stadium only minutes from the entertainment district, the chance to enjoy a home team win and continue the night’s festivities is never far away.

As the capital city, international and local performing artists also frequently visit Wellington.

Community Involvement

While abroad, we recommend getting involved in your local community. It's an awesome way to meet locals, experience the true New Zealand culture, and create long lasting memories. From volunteering to festival-going, we challenge you to make the most of your international experience... See a sample of community involvement opportunities available in Wellington or discover your own upon arrival!

You'll get a taste of how enriching community involvement can be during your first few days in New Zealand on the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program. The program includes pre-arranged volunteering with the local community. You'll interact directly with locals while giving back to and sharing your own culture with the community that first welcomes you to New Zealand. Plus, you can continue your volunteer efforts later in the semester by signing up for the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Conservation Volunteer Weekend.

Enhance Your Experience

Global Identity Course

While studying at VUW, you can maximize your study abroad experience by enrolling in the Global Identity course (EdPA 3103 Connecting Your International Experience to Your Future). The course will help you articulate the value of your experience to future employers, demonstrate your intercultural development and skills, and understand intercultural interactions.

This one-credit, online course is offered by the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities exclusively for students studying with GlobaLinks Learning Abroad. LEARN MORE>

Global Citizens Development Modules

The Global Citizen Development modules are online learning components designed to help you explore your study abroad destination and experience at a whole new level. These modules are not mandatory, however we strongly encourage your participation as they will introduce you to the opportunities and challenges you may encounter when participating in a study abroad program, as well as expose you to cultural insights and knowledge about your host country to help make your program abroad even more successful and fulfilling. Through the 3 modules, you will refine your skills in cross-cultural observation, adaptation, and communication.

View Subjects

Photo Slideshow

Watch a slideshow of photos highlighting the Victoria University of Wellington.

Fees

Fee Includes

Program Fees: As a GlobaLinks Learning Abroad study abroad participant, you will be required to enroll as a full-time student; typically this is 3-4 classes, which is equivalent to 12-16 U.S. semester credit hours. Your program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the host university semester tuition for 4 subjects, university administrative fees, overseas health insurance, the Basic ISIC card, our renowned Bridging Cultures Program on-site orientation and the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Personalized Support and Service.

With GlobaLinks Learning Abroad you will receive Personalized Support and Service through our four point philosophy to manage your program:

1.) Personal Program Selection & Planning: Personal service & advising, academic planning and credit transfer assistance, program location, housing advice, financial assistance.

2.) Pre and Post Orientation and Preparation: Our MyLearn on-line enrollment information and process, comprehensive program information and departure webinar, immigration visa support and advice, airline ticket and group flight assistance, global citizen development modules.

3.) Cultural Integration: On-site Bridging Cultures Program, on-site resident director services and advising, academic support, guaranteed housing and placement, volunteer and community involvement opportunities.

4.) Reflection and Application of the Experience: Beyond Study Abroad Program, The EnCompass Alumni Program, program evaluation opportunity, resume building and review, alumni handbook and transcript services.

Housing Fees: The Housing Fees are approximates and are in addition to the Program Fees. GlobaLinks Learning Abroad offers you “Housing to Fit Your Lifestyle” and you are guaranteed a placement in a wide variety of quality housing options to accommodate your academic, personal and budgetary needs during your experience abroad. The housing fees listed indicate an approximate cost for the options available on that program which may represent apartments/flats, houses and/or dormitories/residential halls, living within the local community or on-campus with locals and other international students. Private single rooms are standard (although double rooms are available) and are fully furnished, including comfort amenities with access to internet and telephone. Students who choose to arrange their own accommodation upon arrival will be charged the Program Fee only, as they will be responsible for making payment directly to the housing provider once accommodation has been arranged.

Additional Subject & Gym Membership Fees: Additional charges may apply for science, media, fine arts, or journalism subjects at some universities and students who undertake subjects where the university requires additional fees will be billed directly by the home university upon final enrolment. Gym and student union memberships are optional to students. If you wish to join, you may do so on arrival by contacting the international office at your host university.

Fee Advice

Facts

Dates

Entry Requirements

Programs in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji Coordinator

Name: Jan Amann Title: Coordinator, Outreach and Student Services Department: Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji Semester/Year Abroad Team BIO: Jan Amann manages study abroad admission and participant pre-trip services for students attending the University of Otago, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Adelaide, University of South Australia, Southern Cross University, La Trobe University, Monash University, Swinburne University of Technology and University of Melbourne. Jan earned her B.A. in English and Philosophy from the University of Scranton in 2006. After studying abroad at the University of Otago in New Zealand, Jan was inspired to work for her school’s study abroad office and pursue an exciting career in International Education. Following graduation, Jan moved to New Zealand for one year where she had the opportunity to travel and work for the government. She has also worked with youth for many years, and led a group of students on an Experiment in International Living trip abroad in 2010. Jan completed her M.A. in International Education at New York University, where she studied abroad (again!) in Hong Kong, China, and worked with international students. Jan’s additional travels have brought her to Australia, Italy, Canada, Belgium, France, England and the Caribbean. Jan looks forward to helping AustraLearn students plan their semesters abroad! Advice From The Coordinator: What a better place to study Maori Culture than in New Zealand?! Students report that Maori 123: Maori Society and Culture provides a great background of this exciting culture.