New Zealand Was The Best Six Months...Ever Past Review

By (Culture and Media, The New School) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself while studying abroad. I feel as though I grew up a lot there and made friendships that will last a lifetime. I also discovered a hidden love of the outdoors and adventure sports which shocked my friends and family back home. After living in Auckland I realized how much of the world I haven't seen yet and it really inspired me to travel and try to get jobs all across the world. Maybe even in New Zealand someday.

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.

Compared to the New School the workload was much lighter, but I was also taking 1st and 2nd year courses. Even so, if I were to go back to Uni Auckland for another semester I would definitely take 3rd year courses, or more likely grad courses. I also had never attended a lecture style university but it really didn't need any getting used to (except for the fact that attendance wasn't mandatory).

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

People at TEAN were always available to answer any questions or concerns about literally anything before the trip and while I was there. Also, while I was not directly affected by the Christchurch earthquake they took amazing care of the students who were on the South Island immediately and got them situated at new universities right away. The small size of the New Zealand program also meant that everyone in the program became very close during the orientation and we even made our own meet-ups throughout the semester to see the people that lived in different cities.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Deciding to live in Parnell Student Village was probably the best thing I did during the whole study abroad experience. While the flats (they are like little cottages in rows) is about a 20 min walk to campus and 30 to downtown the walk through the park and past the museum is one of the things I miss the most. Plus, it got me in great shape! Also, the people there were so incredible that we really had no reason to ever leave. We had BBQs in the yard, lots of volleyball and tons of cookouts. And when we were lazy Parnell has more brunch spots than I could handle!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

TEAN arranged a lot of activities during orientation that acclimated us to New Zealand. We had one day with a Maori guide where we did cultural activities, played touch rugby on the beach and went to the museum. Then on another day we got more into the adventure side of New Zealand and went canyoning.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I did have to go to the doctor once and just paid the bill upfront. TEAN told me to then talk to the International Office at my university where all I had to do was fill out one short form and attach the receipt. In a week or so I had a full refund check.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I fully recommend TEAN to anyone considering studying abroad. Everyone I dealt with from the program was not only knowledgeable but also ridiculously nice and funny. They really made you feel as though they were there for you and were in touch throughout the whole semester whether it was to suggest activities or excursions or just to check it.