An adventure of a lifetime Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 02/07/2019 to 06/22/2019 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Auckland - AUT University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile. I learned how beautiful a place can be if you take care of 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.

Professors were very helpful and quick to answer any emails I sent them. Homework consisted of a lot of essays and there were not too many exams.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It was good. There was an international advisor at AUT that was more than happy to answer any questions and help us get us situated.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Yes. The off campus apartment was a 3 minute walk from campus. We were given a kitchen area and our own rooms which was nice.

* Food:

Since we lived off campus, there was no meal plan. While there was food on campus, I did not really eat it since groceries were cheaper.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

AUT and the student apartments are located in the heart of Auckland so it was easy to feel integrated with the culture. We were surrounded by many types of restaurants and we were able to appreciate the Maori culture as well.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I needed to obtain birth control since I was only given a 3 month supply. We were given GeoBlue insurance who only covered 2 doctors in the area, none of which carried birth control.

* Safety:

I did not have any safety issues.

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

I enjoyed the Queenstown orientation we did at the beginning of the trip. I liked the option to go to cultural events such as a rugby game. While I know other programs went on overnight trips to different parts of New Zealand, I would not want to pay extra to those programs.

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? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Personally, I did not go out to eat too much. Instead, I saved money while buying groceries which allowed me to spend more money on cool weekend trips.

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

  • International Students
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Orientation in Queenstown
  • Free cultural events
* What could be improved?
  • Better insurance
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I got to know the locals a little better

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'