Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A black sheep on a quest for Truth Past Review

By (Occidental College) - abroad from 02/26/2016 to 06/23/2016 with

Arcadia: Dunedin - University of Otago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile and it helped me better understand relationships between people and the historical context behind those relationships

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The education system does not have a lot of busy work which is nice but it was thus hard for me to feel like I was making progress in the classes. Additionally, I felt like it was hard to take advantage of the resources available as an exchange student in higher level classes

* 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?

As an American Black male in New Zealand during trying times in the US it was stunting to be so disconnected

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I really have no say in this matter

* Safety:

Safest place I've lived I think

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

This program made me ask a lot of questions and asking questions is vital to anything I do.

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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Freeze your food, prepare meals in bulk for the week, and definitely try to do flat dinners

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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 Arcadia program directors
  • The immersion system
* What could be improved?
  • More Maori events?
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There is nothing objective about beauty or beautiful scenery; one must evaluate beauty purely subjectively

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!