Australearn: Field - Challenge New Zealand: Leadership Development Photo

Life Changing Experience New Zealand

Program Information

Develop leadership skills on the North Island of New Zealand with AustraLearn. This program is available during January or June.

Thousands of students graduate college each year but have little direction of what to do next in life. Surprisingly, few graduates are equipped with the skills and confidence th... More

Provider: GlobaLinks Learning Abroad
Location(s): Field, New Zealand
Year Founded: 1989
Website Take me there!

Review By:

Messias P. (Geography, Bridgewater State College) on March 08, 2011

Overall Rating

Review Photos

Australearn: Field - Challenge New Zealand: Leadership Development Photo Australearn: Field - Challenge New Zealand: Leadership Development Photo Australearn: Field - Challenge New Zealand: Leadership Development Photo

Personal Information

* Start Date: 2011-01-09
* End Date: 2011-01-23
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Haka World

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

* Home Institution Advising:

How well did Bridgewater State College prepare and support you for your time abroad?

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

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  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

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  • Americans

A Look Back

* If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program? Yes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would say if you have always wanted to study abroad, you should start off small, such as the 2 week leadership development course in New Zealand. It gives you a wonderful experience of gaining confidence in yourself, seeing a new culture, seeing a beautiful foreign country, and opening up your eyes to see how much there is to life. You also get to make new friends from all over the country, so why not try it.
* What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? Yes definitely! I gained more confidence in myself, I know I can be a leader, rather than a follower. I gained knowledge of the maori culture in New Zealand, and how nice the locals are. My experience abroad changed my academic interests and future plans, by realizing that I have a lot left to live. It really opened my eyes to start living and try new things and explore. Which I have done a lot of, ever since I got back from New Zealand. I know I definitely want to travel more, change my major, not stress over school and not rush it.