Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best four months of my life Past Review

By (Roger Williams University / RWU) - abroad from 02/14/2017 to 06/22/2017 with

Arcadia: Dunedin - University of Otago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that America is not the center of the universe and a lot more goes on around the world i had no idea about. I learned how to be open minded about new experiences and meeting people unlike who I've ever met before. it was completely worthwhile, i wouldnt have wanted it any other way

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Love living in the Uni flats with other internationals, that is exactly how I found my best friends

* Food:

I wish there were a dining hall at Otago, but there isnt so instead you are finding yourself buying a lot of unhealthy food to go instead of being able to sit down for a meal

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go to student health a few times and I was mostly doing it myself. The individuals working at student health were very rude to me which was frustrating because I had no idea how they run things over in New Zealand

* Safety:

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

There was nothing to complain about over how arcadia ran the program

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)

Gas was expensive so that took a toll on my money but i was able to manage. Its definitely not impossible

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? Don't spend your money on clothes while there, it is a waste of money and it adds extra weight onto your luggage. Do not be afraid to spend a lot of money on experiences such as kayaking, or boat rides. That is what the money should go towards

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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • how informative it was
  • how it took us on multiple trips
  • how it introduced me to people before i moved in so i have familiar faces around campus
* What could be improved?
  • be more organized with when programs are run
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? nothing

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.