Arcadia in New Zealand Past Review

By (Health and Medical Administrative Services., Providence College) for

Arcadia: Dunedin - University of Otago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have had the best semester abroad and wish it didn't have to end. I learned so much about myself and the experience has opened my eyes to new perspectives about the world and the US. I feel like it helped my realized what I want to do after I graduate, and has given me many lifelong memories and experiences. I would do the same exact program and location all over again in a heartbeat. The people I've met and the lessons I've learned are so hard to explain how meaningful and impacting they were.

Personal Information

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.

There were not as many assessments that checked if students did the readings or not. Very much up to us to keep up with the assigned readings, the exams covered a lot more material, but we only had one or two exams throughout the semester.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

We had a student representative from Arcadia that was in Dunedin throughout the semester if we ever needed advice or help. We had her email and phone number to contact her. The program director, Jane, was extremely helpful and involved throughout my experience. She would drop emails frequently to check in on us,came to Dunedin and we could meet up for coffee with her, and we all had her cell phone number and were encouraged to call if we needed her. The program put on different events, about once every month, when we could also check in and ask questions or express concerns.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a flat with a kiwi host, a guy from Switzerland, and a guy from Vermont. We each had our own bedrooms but shared a bathroom. We split up cleaning responsibilities and all got along great! <br /><br /> I really liked my housing in Dunedin. It was located close to campus as well as other student flats. It was nice being so independent and cooking our own meals. I felt very safe in the neighborhood, though we were encouraged to keep doors locked at all times to protect against burglaries. I rented a bedding pack from the university, which was in my room when I arrived. The kitchen had enough cookware and plates and utensils. If we needed anything the accommodation office was happy to give us what we needed.

* Food:

We cooked and purchased all our own groceries since we lived in flats.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We travelled most every weekend and got to see some amazing sights in New Zealand. We did a lot of hiking and camping, and road-tripping around the island. The great walks of New Zealand as well as the great beaches and scenery were most memorable.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

It was very safe in Dunedin, they only have problems with theft in flats that are left unlocked. If you ever got sick you could see the student health center or go to the doctors which you'd be reimbursed for.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Electricity is pretty expensive as well, and if you are going to buy a phone that is an additional cost you can expect.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

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  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

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  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

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  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Someone that really enjoys the outdoors and has a sense of adventure. We were in a rural area so they must be able to survive without big cities and amenities they are used to from home.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Health Policy and Politics

Course Department: HEAL 203, Department of Public Health
Instructor: Dr. Robin Gauld
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very interesting course. It covered a variety of topics from global warming threats, health promotion, other countries' health systems, and specific topics like obesity and food advertising. We had guest lecturers every week and the power point slides were easy to follow and helpful. Excellent course that I highly recommend.
Credit Transfer Issues: