NZ: A spectacular country to study Past Review

By Andrew M (Biochemistry, ) for

Arcadia: Dunedin - University of Otago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Studying in NZ has made me appreciate the outdoors much more. I love knowing that I now have friends all over the world. It was very valuable taking science courses at a university other than 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.	I took two science lab courses at the University of Otago and both were up to par with Tufts science courses. Whereas the courses were much larger than I would get at Tufts, the material was still covered in detail. I actually thought the labs were much better run than at Tufts. The lab equipment was fantastic and new. The lab modules were applicable and I felt like I gained a lot from the lab portion of the class.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The program directors in NZ are incredible. They will become some of your closest friends there. They are incredibly supportive. I couldn't have asked for better program directors.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	You are placed with at least one Kiwi host and you live with a bunch of other international students. This seemed to be the ideal setup. The international students always want to travel with you, but it is really nice to interact with the locals rather than only international students. The flats are all incredible. I didn't see one bad flat the whole time I was there. They give you a double bed, desk, chair, etc. They provide you with everything you need.
* 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

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	International Students Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Be adventurous. Do things for yourself, not to prove that you can do something to others. Don't just go on a hike because everyone else is doing it. You really have to want to do it for yourself. There is so much to see and simply not enough time to see it all. Pick and chose. But in the end anything you see will be worth it.