123 GO Past Review

By (Bioinformatics, Oregon State University) - abroad from 06/25/2016 to 11/07/2016 with

IFSA: Dunedin - University of Otago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Living anywhere new is worthwhile. I had an awesome time experiencing new ways to live life and also what its like to fully settle into a new country and live there for a few months.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I loved the classes that I took. Coming from a home university that is based on the quarter system, the amount of depth each of my classes went in during the semester system at the University of Otago was refreshing and allowed me to truly enjoy my education without being stressed about the lack of time to study all my subjects.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

IFSA staff were very present on campus and I knew I could always pop into their office with any questions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The flat I lived in was clean, warm, and full of awesome flatmates.

* 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

The IFSA-Butler program was packed with activities and provided a community of international students to belong to from the very first day being in NZ.

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? 120

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Doubtful Sound Trip
  • Shakespeare Park Weekend
  • Fish and Chips Dates
* What could be improved?
  • More overnight trips
  • A great walk trip
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I had a lot less to worry about. I was definitely worried about how my experience would pan out but after arriving in NZ I had an awesome time, through and through.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!