Past Review

By (Anthropology., Trinity University) for

IFSA: Dunedin - University of Otago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
YES! I have grown so much from spending time in another country. I learned more about how I interact with people and how to adapt those interactions to a different culture. It was amazing :) I'm definitely going back!!!

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

Our student services coordinator, Guy, was always available to talk and would even buy you a coffee if you were feeling homesick. Everything was very organized from the minute we arrived. The program had about 50 students, which was small enough to know everyone, but big enough to still be fun.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment complex in the student section of North Dunedin, two blocks north of campus. <br /><br /> The neighborhood was fine, a little loud, but mostly just a typical student section. If you were smart, it was safe. 5 minute walk to campus, 20 minute walk to town, tops. I rented a bedding package from Uni Flats for $100 and it was totally worth it. The complex was a party complex, but my room stayed clean. There were dishes and silverware in the kitchen.

* Food:

There are all kinds of good restaurants around, and the supermarket was close to the flat. Meat was expensive though.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We had group outings throughout the semester including: white water rafting, night at the movies, weekend cruise on Doubtful Sound, and three dinners. They were great!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I didn't have any problems. IFSA-Butler takes real good care of you.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100-150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Food costs more than you think it will!! Set up a good budget at the beginning and that will help you throughout the semester.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Definitely do it! They take good care of you and help you to explore the country! IFSA-Butler is the best!!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Intro to Biological Anthropology

Course Department: BIOA201
Instructor: Hallie Buckley
Instruction Language: English
Comments: There were no field trips, but the material was interesting and we had weekly labs where we got to work with the skeletal materials. Dr. Buckley was the main lecturer but there were four guest lecturers who took a couple lectures each and that was very interesting as well, to get another perspective. There is less participation in class overall, but the labs are all hands on.
Credit Transfer Issues: I was able to get elective credit for this, no problems.
Course Name/Rating:

Contemporary Pacific Cultures

Course Department: ANTH205
Instructor: Jackie Leckie
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Dr. Leckie knows a lot, but she is boring to listen to. She is not eager to assist students, or even give them feedback on papers or exams. I think that she only teaches at the university in order to be able to do her own research. I did not like this class.
Credit Transfer Issues: I got upper level anthropology credit for this class, again no problems.
Course Name/Rating:

Maori Society

Course Department: MAOR102
Instructor: Suzanne Boyes
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was a good class, although it's aimed at younger students and the graders often look for the formulaic 5 paragraph essay in assignments. However, the lecturers were good and the material was interesting. Great for common curriculum credit.
Credit Transfer Issues: No problem getting common curriculum credit.
Course Name/Rating:

Archaeological Methods

Course Department: ANTH208
Instructor: Tim Thomas
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class was great, Dr Thomas knew everything and he was funny. I enjoyed going to these lectures! Labs were bi-weekly and they were always fun to go to, challenging but interesting. He graded fairly, but was still tough. I would highly recommend this one if you need it for anthropology!
Credit Transfer Issues: Again, no problems getting upper level anthropology credit for this class.