New Zealand was the best decision I ever made! Past Review
By A student (Environmental Science., University of Iowa) - abroad from 02/09/2012 to 06/24/2012 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Dunedin - University of Otago
This was the most worthwhile experience. I learned things about life, the world, and myself that I don't think I would have ever discovered without going abroad. New Zealand is a beautiful place and I fell in love with that country. From this experience, I made amazing memories and lifelong friends.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
University of Otago provided an excellent educational experience. As an environmental science student, I feel it is very important to heavily incorporate field experiences and University of Otago did a wonderful job at this. For many lab sessions, we ended up going to locations to conduct experiments or gather samples. It was a great way to learn. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
While at Otago living and studying, I never felt like I was without a TEAN support system. If I ever had a question or concern about something, they were wonderful at helping me through whatever situation I was in. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The program did an excellent job housing us from Fiji to Auckland and then eventually to Dunedin. I loved my student housing situation in Dunedin. I ended up living with and among many wonderful internationals and locals in our flat complex. There were some aspects of our flat that were a bit worn down/out of date, but other than that, everything truly was wonderful. |
| * Food: |
In Fiji and Auckland, TEAN was great at exposing us to delicious, cultural foods. Food in New Zealand was a pleasure to experience. Even peanut butter tastes different in New Zealand, and it was definitely fun to compare between my home country and my host country. There was excellent Asian, Indian, and Irish food. Fish, in general, was delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
At first, there were apparent differences that I noticed. In studying abroad I wanted to become completely immersed into my host country culture---try their food, attend local events, do as they do. I felt that locals were very welcoming to international students and that I fit into the culture well. Overall, it was a very positive experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Very well. I did have some health issues in New Zealand but student health on campus was very helpful with any problems I had. |
| * Safety: |
With the TEAN program I always felt looked after and safe. In New Zealand in general, I felt safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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 possible to manage with a student budget. It is important to really watch expenses and keep track of where your money is going. |
| * 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? | probably around $75-$100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget in a bit more money for food than you would normally in the states. Food is more expensive in New Zealand. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I would have known that Dunedin flats do not have insulation. |
