Auckland City: The Best, Yet Underrated Study Abroad Experience Past Review
By Sherwan K (Comunication, University of Southern California) for
ISA Study Abroad in Auckland, New Zealand
This experience made me open my eyes to the realization that we liv in a global society. I am more open to understanding different cultural norms and qualities that, had I not experienced this, I would have never been able to understand. I got to know myself a lot better, and this has given me the reasoning and motivation to do things that go beyond my comfort zone. I now know I can be successful all over the world.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I the workload and teaching methods were slightly easier abroad. However, this doesn't mean I view the experience as any less impactful than that I've experienced in my home university. In fact, the educational experience in conjunction with the cultural experience made me mature and learn in a much more meaningful way than I had previously experienced. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Overall, I felt support from the different hosts, staff members, administrators, services, etc. There was not one time were I felt unable to have a question answered. I am truly grateful with the administration overall. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I was satisfied with the options available near my housing complex. Living in downtown Auckland gave me the privilege to try new foods and change my meals as I wished. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
A six-day Culture and Adventure trip in Rotorua, NZ prior to the school semester's beginning. Amazing bonding experience and culural learning experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I feel that Auckland has a very safe overall community. At no time did I feel threatened. As for my health, it all went smooth. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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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? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Any student who even remotely consideres Auckland as a potential destination to study abroad should think no further. There will be no regret if he or she decides for this beautiful country. Those students who do not have one specific destination in mind, in terms of studying abroad, should definitely opt for New Zealand because it will bring them a memorable experience, all while making it easier to transition to a new world. |
