Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A brilliant and educationally exciting adventure. Past Review

By (Biology, University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 01/23/2012 to 04/06/2012 with

ISA Study Abroad in Wellington, New Zealand

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned priceless insight into my future career and how well I deal with certain situation. I will never forget anything about it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

A lot of exposure was more with international students than local culture but I still got a good sense of life.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Didn't really have any issues.

* Safety:

I always felt very safe even being in the more downtown area. The only time I was nervous was biking in the streets due to crazy bus drivers.

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)

A lot of exceptions had to be made in order to save money due to the expensive nature of the city but it was possible.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150-$200 USD

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

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Hands on work with the boats and Grad/PhD students.
  • Immersion into the local culture through public outings.
  • The incredibly beautiful landscape.
* What could be improved?
  • I could have more money or it could go further.
  • I wish I had more work to do.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to be intimidated and how to ask for things that I want.