Discovering my independence in nature. Past Review

By (Bryant University) - abroad from 02/14/2012 to 06/25/2012 with

Arcadia: Auckland - University of Auckland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was able to learn about a different country and its culture, I learned how to efficiently travel, planning, cooking, and about myself and my independence. It was more than worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Wasn't as rigorous as I'm used to, which actually worked out well because it allowed me to have a lot of travel time. I wasn't too keen on how half of my course grade depended on the final though.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Kate and Jane were fantastic! They made me feel at home right away and were always there if I needed anything or if I just wanted to go for a coffee. They are the sweetest people.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved Parnell Student Village. It was close to everything, but I didn't feel like I was stuck in a city. I also really enjoyed the balconies, living spaces, individual bedrooms, and the walk through the park to school. I was a little bummed that we didn't get to live with Kiwis or many other international students.

* Food:

I liked being able to purchase my own groceries and cook for myself, since Parnell Student Village doesn't have meal plans.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The activities that Arcadia put us through (orientation, etc.) helped a lot with cultural integration, which I was really grateful for, especially since university housing grouped all the Americans together in Parnell Student Village.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Well addressed

* Safety:

I felt safe at the Uni and in Parnell

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)

1 But this was because I spent almost every weekend traveling somewhere. So for me, I did very well financially.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* 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? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I personally allocated $1000 a month for all spending, and then another $1000 just for the two week semester break. The reason I spent so much though is because I traveled whenever I could. If you're not traveling so much, then you'd be fine with $50-$100 a week. It helped me to keep track of everything that I spent by recording it all in an excel spreadsheet.

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

  • 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?
  • The traveling and activities
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing that I can think of.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Again, nothing that I can think of. I was happy to learn along the way.