Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life changing adventure Past Review

By (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 02/15/2017 to 06/15/2017 with

API (Academic Programs International): Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about being independant and traveling. I made so many friends from all over the world. I have had experiences there that changed my life forever. New Zealand has helped me find a new passion for climbing and mountaineering I would have never gotten to explore at my home university.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Amazing, loved this place. Lots of opportunity to adventure and travel.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great housing, placed with people like me. Loved how they placed me with all vegans because I am also vegan.

* Food:

Food was good, however you had to buy seasonal veggies otherwise it is too expensive. Also not a huge selection of vegan foods in the grocery stores.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You need to go out of your way to make friends with local students. International tended to stick with internationals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Good health care although some things were not covered which I thought really should be.

* Safety:

Very safe. Although should walk home at night with a buddy.

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

Amazing program, amazing people. So incredibly helpful, API was there for me every step of the way.

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)

Food was a bit expensive however it is important to keep in mind the exchange rate. Overall, I was happy with how I spent. Gas is also expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Always carpool when traveling, look for seasonal foods, follow a budget to avoid going overboard.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • My flatmates
  • Weekend trips backpacking, climbing, mountaineering.
  • The beauty of the country
* What could be improved?
  • nothing I can think of.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To pack differently and bring more outdoors gear.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.