Sink or Swim Past Review
By Julia Garcia (Texas Lutheran University) - abroad from 02/13/2018 to 06/24/2018 with
API (Academic Programs International): Auckland - AUT University
Yes, there is so much more than America and now I want to travel the world and experience every beautiful place out there.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Different teaching styles, larger classes but overall was easy |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Tiana is amazing! She is a wonderful human being, love her! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Overall was good, but living with opposite gender was different. |
| * Food: |
It took me awhile to get used to the food over there because the meat tastes extremely different. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was very different from the culture at home, but I adapted quickly. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
No issues. |
| * Safety: |
At first I was kind of iffy because citizens are not allowed to carry mace or anything else because there is a fine line between assault, but honestly walking around I hardly felt uncomfortable. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I definitly have more to experience in New Zealand, the country is filled with too much not to see. |
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) |
In the beginning, I spent too much money so during the semester I learned to budget a bit more. Just seeing so much money in your account makes you want to spend it all at once. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 200-300 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Ask your parents to send you a max amount each week, do not have all the money handy. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Most places have the language as well as english. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | TAKE MORE THAN A WEEK WORTH OF CLOTHES. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
