came to New Zealand as an anxious student and left as a confident teacher! Past Review

By (Elementary Education, Western Washington University) for

EducatorsAbroad: Traveling - Student Teaching (10-18 Weeks)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have gained a lot of confidence through this experience and also broadened my ideas about education. I think I have a lot more to offer having experienced teaching in a different culture.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The work load was similar to what it would have been at home. However, adjusting to a foreign country, getting to know your host family, and becoming familiar with a new school added more stress to the equation. Despite feeling like I hit the ground running, I truly truly enjoyed this experience. New Zealand is a wonderful place and I wish schools back home were as laid back as they are here. The people made this experience such an amazing one and I think I learned so much more through this program than I would have at home.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Although I loved my school and faculty, I felt that there was little knowledge about what specific criteria needed to be met during my time at the school. Even though I had a supervisor I don't feel like he did much in terms of relaying things to the school.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I got really really really lucky with my family! They were amazing, however I did find out that there wasn't an application process for them or any sort of background check, which makes me feel as though things could have gone badly.

* Food:

I am not a picky eater at all but my host family prepared very good meals!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There is so much to do in New Zealand, but the beaches and hiking have been the most memorable because this is such a beautiful place!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I didn't have any health issues while I was away but I think they would have been taken care of easily considering the environment I was in.

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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the people in New Zealand
  • the beautiful children!
  • the travel opportunity
* What could be improved?
  • a supervisor with more relevance to the experience
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do it! I learned so much and I know I would not have the confidence I have now if I wouldn't have taken this risk and stepped out of my comfort zone. New Zealand is one of a kind place, experience it!