amazing Past Review

By (Hamilton College) - abroad from 02/17/2016 to 06/28/2016 with

Arcadia: Auckland - University of Auckland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be independent and how to have fun with people I trust and I felt empowered to travel alone and learn about new people and places

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 easier content wise but definitely tougher when it came to grading and they were less engaging.

* 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

one of the best experiences of my life!

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would create a weekly budget based on how much money you'd like to spend. when you don't use all the money from that week's budget, add it to a pot of savings for when you take trips

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • bonding with others in the program
  • group activities
  • advisors were always there to help when we needed it
* What could be improved?
  • the first few days of orientation were very hectic. if there was some way to better get us checked in at the kiwi international and allow us access to food when we need it that would be helpful
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? change will happen whether or not you take risks. nothing stays the same forever so take risks and take advantage of all the opportunities you have to explore

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.