Auckland Blues: JUST A RUGBY TEAM! Past Review
By Briana R (Peace And Justice Studies, Wellesley College) for
IFSA: Auckland - University of Auckland
It was absolutely worthwhile. I learned to get along with many different types of people, I learned about cultures that are entirely different than that of America. I learned that not all other peoples hate Americans, but that it is easy to get caught up in political discussions just because you are from America.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Workload was manageable and I really enjoyed all my classes, however, I found that the teaching methods were a bit difficult to get used to. Basically, just being lectured at as opposed to open discussion which I was used to. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
We had great support services, a student coordinator who met with us weekly, took us out, showed us the city, and advised us on time management, workload, exams, etc. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Our student apartments were in a great location, they were roomy, comfortable, and had everything we need. However, most students found that the administration of the apartments was lacking. |
| * Food: |
We had our own kitchen in our apartment, so I was able to cook anything I wanted. Also, the university is in a prime location for restaurants and take out. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Our housing enabled international students to get to know each other and also locals. University club outings helped broaden our social horizons, as well as events planned by our programs. No one was without a social network and people to be with. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe, and I know that if a student had any health problem they were helped immediately through our program and host university. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I would say that you could spend anywhere from 50-100 NZD on food each week, depending on which grocery store you were shopping at. I spent less because I was shopping at cheaper stores. Personal expenses depended on events that were happening. Going out is expensive in big cities, so probably up to 50NZD each week on activities. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Shop at smaller grocery stores that are not major food chains. They are cheaper, have much of the same product, and many times are within walking distance of your living arrangement. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Someone who likes the city, but also loves the outdoors. If you like to travel, be outside, experience multiculturalism, then this program is for you! |
