Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Authentic Auckland: life in the little things Past Review

By (Trinity University) - abroad from 02/17/2017 to 07/04/2017 with

IFSA: Auckland - University of Auckland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot more about myself, what I value, and what kind of person I want to be. I know that all sounds super broad and general but I really valued it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

Overall I had a great time, and while I didn't participate in all the activities organized by the program, there were a lot of fun ones that I went on and was happy with all members of the program I was in contact with.

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)

Some things were oddly expensive, but such is living in New Zealand and being so far away from everywhere else.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Fun events!
  • open to communication
* What could be improved?
  • Less emphasis on weekly check ins
  • More events in the city instead of some check ins
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it would in a lot of ways be another semester with highs and lows - it wasn't all a vacation

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'