Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Stonehill College) - abroad from 06/20/2015 to 11/14/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about my self while I was abroad. While I always considered myself independent and responsible this experience really affirmed that. I also found that I can be very resourceful when I need to be. I think one of the bigger things I learned though is that there is so much more out there to see and experience. Being away just made me realize that there is a whole world out there to explore and, and I want to explore it!

Review Photos

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Auckland - University of Auckland Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Auckland - University of Auckland Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Auckland - University of Auckland Photo

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.

The courses I took while abroad were very rigorous. While in general the course load was not heavy however the content was difficult and required a lot of studying. Although the courses were a little more difficult the quality of the educational experience was great.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administrators of my program were wonderful! They were always available and made a conscious effort to always meet up and check up on myself and others in the program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The accommodation I lived in while abroad was amazing! Not only was the facility clean, new and modern, but it also had a perfect central location to the City Campus, the central business district and other surrounding districts. In addition there was a nice study room and I was able to have my own room in my flat, which I do not get at my home university.

* Food:

While there was not much in the way of authentic New Zealand cuisine, the food was still good. Most of the time I prepared my own meals, but when I did venture out to other restaurants I was never disappointed. For those that are less adventurous, there were plenty of

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It is very difficult to go to New Zealand and not feel a part of the local culture. The Maori culture is all around and while you are there you cannot help but learn about it. In addition there are so many opportunities to engage in and witness different types of cultural activities.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

During my first couple of weeks of my stay in Auckland I became ill. Luckily my program included insurance, so I was seen quickly and without any issues; I never had to make a payment for any of my visits, although I did have to pay for one prescription I recieved.

* Safety:

I have never felt more safe than when I was in New Zealand. While I am not naive enough to think that nothing bad ever happens in New Zealand, I felt completely safe while I was there.

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)

Going in to this experience I knew my funds were limited, therefore I planned accordingly. While, I of course did not get to do everything on my list I did get to experience a lot.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? When it comes to traveling on a budget it is a lot of give in take; you need to prioritize things you really want to do and things you won't be too sad about missing out on. In addition, I know some students get excited about the younger drinking age while abroad, you may need to spend less on going out if you want to do more traveling.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The program advisors were amazing!
  • The program did a great job with providing anything/everything we would need.
  • The program had a number of amazing trips and activities planned, that were included in our package.
* What could be improved?
  • N/a
  • N/a
  • N/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about packing for my time abroad; that was difficult!

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.