Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Experience New Zealand Past Review

By (Environmental Science, University of Vermont) - abroad from 06/26/2015 to 11/09/2015 with

IFSA: Dunedin - University of Otago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile. I experienced things outside of my comfort zone, made new friends, and had so many once in a lifetime adventures.

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?

Housing was standard; however very cold in the winter months with no heating or insulation.

* Food:

I made most of my own meals.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Lots of opportunity.

* 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

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? Around $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Prioritize what you are willing to spend your money on.

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
  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Staff was amazing and always so helpful. Sian, our program director was such a motherly figure that was nice to have so far from home. IFSA Butler had a fabulous staff that I cannot thank enough.
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Weather, what to pack.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.