Greatest place to study abroad! Past Review

By (Sociology and Anthropology., Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/16/2012 to 06/21/2012 with

University of Otago, New Zealand: Study Abroad Programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I got to travel an entire country and see every terrain possible. It was definitely worthwhile and I would highly suggest anyone to go to NZ. I learned a lot about the culture and the great outdoors. I loved that it is not very populated. The open country and mountains made the experience amazing!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were very large and the lecturers were not as passionate as the professors at Middlebury College.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

Everything was very pricey, especially food and petrol for the car I owned. Also, many of the tourist activities were expensive. It was an expensive trip but worth every penny.

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $400-$500
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Nope, just enjoy the country and spend money on what you think is worth it.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • I did not do a program so everything was on our own which was nice most of the time.
* What could be improved?
  • Preparing international students for no heat in their flats
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How awesome New Zealand is! And maybe to have saved a bit more money because it is very expensive.