Study Abroad in New Zealand was the best thing I ever did. Do it. Past Review

By (Providence College) - abroad from 02/14/2012 to 06/26/2012 with

Arcadia: Auckland - University of Auckland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad absolutely changed my life. I met so many incredible people and got to spend 5 months living in the absolute most beautiful place in the world. Auckland is such a fun city, I can't wait to go back someday.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of Auckland City Campus
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

University of Auckland is a great school. I took 4 classes and each basically had a class test, an essay, and a final exam which meant there were few assignments, but you must do well on the ones you have. Overall, classes were good.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Arcadia does a great job helping you adjust and get everything you need when you get to Auckland. Kate Casey and Jane Gunn-Lewis are the best!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Parnell Student Village...hands down the best place to live. The domain is right next door and makes for the most beautiful walk to school you'll ever have.

* Food:

Bought groceries down the street and cooked all own meals. Good food everywhere, only negative is that take away food can be a bit expensive, as can groceries.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Arcadia takes you to a Maori village during orientation which is something absolutely worth seeing. You feel pretty integrated with NZ culture everyday.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I visited the health center once and my student insurance covered everything, I didn't pay a penny.

* Safety:

I felt very safe the whole time, nobody I knew had any issues.

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)

Auckland can be expensive, but if you are careful about what you spend money on, you will be just fine. I spent the majority of my money on groceries and travelling during semester break.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spend all your money on take away food...it adds up and there are better things to spend it on!

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?
  • Orientation, school, living in Parnell, having time to travel, everything!
* What could be improved?
  • Can't think of a single thing...
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Save as much money as you can before leaving...you want to be able to do EVERYTHING.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Anthro 106

Course Department: Anthropology
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: History of popular music was really interesting, counted as my fine arts requirement for PC. Good lecturer too!
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Anthro 100

Course Department: Anthropology
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: Big lecture twice a week and occasional tutorials and workshops...pretty interesting class and not too difficult!
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Sociology 212

Course Department: Sociology
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: Interesting if you're into history of Australia and NZ.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Soc 105

Course Department: Sociology
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: Counted as a sociology elective but sort of boring. Lecturer was young and inexperienced.
Credit Transfer Issues: