Study Abroad Student David Shapiro

David joined the Victoria University of Wellington community as a Study Abroad student while studying at Brandeis University (Massachusetts). As a Computer Science and Film, Television, and Interactive Media major, David chose Victoria University of Wellington because the flexibility and range of classes offered to students aligned with his interests, and he wanted to live in a city that was convenient.

David had always been curious about New Zealand, so he seized the opportunity to spend a few months studying and soaking up as much of Wellington and New Zealand as possible. New Zealand’s size and Wellington’s central location meant that David was able to explore all of New Zealand, from Northland at the top of the country, to kayaking with sea lions on Stewart Island at the bottom.

David standing on a trail surrounded by trees.

David on Stewart Island

David high on hill side with the sea in the background.

David tramping from Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay on the Escarpment Track

Academically, the courses offered at Victoria University of Wellington allowed David to grow beyond what his home college could offer.

“I had the opportunity to take courses that aren’t available at my university in the United States and build skills in diverse new areas, such as visual narratives. For instance, one class project included making a children’s book—and to have that class taught by a published cartoonist made it extra special. Studying in Wellington made it feel like you could get involved and work in whatever industry you were interested in. People from the media industry came to my class to lecture and even asked a particularly engaged student if they would like to grab coffee and talk sometime. This simply wouldn’t happen in the US!”

“Wellington is a lovely city and it doesn’t take much time being there to realise this.”

During his study abroad, David grew personally, developing a love of tramping (hiking), including overnight trips.

“I surprised myself by how much of a hiker I became. Almost every weekend I was going on a hike of some sort. I enjoyed exploring new places in Wellington and I did some long, hard walks which were very rewarding. I knew I wanted to be involved in outdoor activities and I quickly learned how much tramping is a part of the New Zealand culture and tried to really embrace that while I was there. I joined the Victoria University Tramping Club and went on two overnight trips, something I had never done before. This was outside my comfort zone but being able to live on just what I brought in my backpack was very exciting and I bonded with so many people through those experiences.”

David shares how he took advantage of the range of opportunities and events Wellington has to offer, such as the city’s walkability, attending a food festival, being part of the crowd at a rugby game, laughing it up at comedy nights, visiting a Lord of the Rings one-room museum, all while feeling “extremely safe and comfortable”.

“By the end of my time in Wellington, I felt like a local. When I would go to the Fringe Bar for comedy nights, I recognised the comedians and their jokes. I knew who worked at the crêpe stand and all the different paths back to my flat.”

David sums up his study abroad experience at Victoria University of Wellington by sharing:

“I made friends and connections in this country that used to be just an unknown on the map for me. Now, New Zealand is dear to my heart. Studying abroad in New Zealand is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

Why study abroad at Victoria University of Wellington?

Get inspired by the first-hand account of our study abroad student, David Shapiro. David tells us about his unique in-class adventures, newfound love of hiking, and why New Zealand holds a special place in his heart.