NEW ZEALAND Past Review

By (Geology, University of Tennessee - Knoxville) - abroad from 02/09/2015 to 06/18/2015 with

ISA Study Abroad in Dunedin, New Zealand

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I cant even put it into words. The experience was priceless. You grow so much as a person and learn about both yourself and the world around you.

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

Peren and Emily were seriously amazing. I couldnt complain about them even if i tried.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was good. Come prepared with warm clothes since there is not central ac/heat.

* Food:

Find/make your own food. You make it what it is.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Attended traditional Maori dinners and other cultural experiences.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Safe anywhere, anytime, even hitchhiking. But please, please, please be careful. If youre going on a trip, let people know what youre doing and where youll be. And go with people. Kiwis are nice people, but the weather is not always nice.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

ISA is amazing. They are always there for you and help you through the whole process, from applying till you come back from your trip.

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)

It was expensive. More than i anticipated. So have money available, or be prepared to sacrifice.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100, but extra activities/traveling get expensive.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make your own food (meatless saves loads of $$$). Take out large sums of cash to avoid constant fees (withdraw and stash cash in your room). Taking trips in groups decreases cost.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • People
  • ISA
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
  • Nothing
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I should have done this awhile ago. That way i could do it again!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.