Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

New Zealand: Sweet As! Past Review

By (University of Rochester) - abroad from 02/16/2012 to 06/26/2012 with

IES Abroad: Auckland Direct Enrollment - University Of Auckland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a stronger sense of independence, starting college far from home was the first big step, but being in another country altogether was a whole flight of stairs. It was extremely worthwhile, and I miss it a lot.

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?

I lived in International House and it is a big reason my study abroad experience was as great as it was.

* Food:

Better than campus food. Restaurants are pricier here but no tips, and most takeaway places are very reasonably priced. Best deals: $5 dollar kebabs on Queen St, 2 buns for $3 at a cart on Queen near Wellesley, and $10 dumplings from Susan's Cafeteria right outside International House.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had to deal with any health issues but I heard mixed reviews from other students.

* Safety:

I always felt safe in IH, around campus, and around town.

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)

Had to pay extra for food at International House since it was catered, but that also meant I spent less money on food other than that. I splurged on travel expenses, but when I didn't travel I did not spend that much money a week.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a lot of money before you go so you can travel a lot. The city is great but the best things to do are outside the city and there's so much to see.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • community
  • freedom to travel
  • Andrew, our program advisor, was super friendly and very helpful
* What could be improved?
  • I heard the program (IES) is going to ban student driving, I think that's a bad idea, driving is the best way to get around the country, just wear a seatbelt and follow traffic laws
  • I can't really think of
  • anything else
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There were no big surprises, I guess I wish I knew my university email wasn't being forwarded correctly because I ended up getting a big library fine. Make sure you're getting all of your emails!