New Zealand...4 months, two 18 hour flight and a bunch of new friends. Past Review

By (Undecided, Hope College) for

ISA Study Abroad in Auckland, New Zealand

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that bad things can unexpectedly happen that you have no control over and you just have to go with the flow.

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.

I thought the grading system was harder than the American grading system.

* 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:

I felt very safe in New Zealand.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Know what the conversion rate is and if it is more, be prepared to pay the extra amount.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

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  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

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  • Local Students
* 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? If you decide to study abroad, you need to be confident in your decision and not let anything sway you. There will be good times and bad times, but only remember the good.