Have a semester-long adventure in the most beautiful place you will ever see. Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/19/2014 to 06/19/2014 with
University of Otago, New Zealand: Study Abroad Programme
It was definitely worthwhile. I got to know a lot of really great people from all over the world. I did some magnificent hiking, and had a great time! Saw tons of penguins, seals, and sea lions. I also got my first taste of traveling solo, and found it an enjoyable and empowering experience.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
International students in university flats buy and prepare their own food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
International students are housed with other internationals, so getting to know local students required a lot of outside effort in classes and at social events. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I became very ill during my semester abroad, and the health center on campus was great during this time. |
| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
New Zealand is expensive! I was very frugal, but always managed to go over budget on food and utilities. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around 150-200+ per week during colder months. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The houses are not insulated, so heating bills during colder months can become very high. Take warm clothing and a hot water bottle for sleeping!!! When it comes to food, try not to eat out. Buy unprocessed food on sale and cook for yourself. Also, be sure to take the extra time to walk to Countdown (a grocery store). It's much cheaper to shop there than at the more expensive New World. Don't forget to grab a store savings card. Just go to the customer service desk and ask for a temporary card. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How cold it can be in Dunedin. This cannot be overemphasized. Take warm clothing! |
