Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Amazing Experience Abroad Past Review

By (University of Massachusetts Amherst / UMass) - abroad from 07/01/2018 to 11/11/2018 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Dunedin - University of Otago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a better world view and perspective of the world from a different country/culture. Very worthwhile to have the experience immersed in a new foreign place.

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.

The academics kept me engaged without being overpowering and stressful while abroad

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My IPO was super helpful with all of the information I needed when I asked. My adviser Lily was amazing

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Fantastic! Huge room and bed, the flat was absolutely amazing and spacious. Only wish the fridge was lager for 6 people.

* Food:

Flatting meant grocery shopping and cooking for myself and I'd say I did pretty well.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All the Kiwis I interacted with were super friendly and always able to help if there were cultural confusions

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Broke my collarbone abroad, health care was fast and helpful right away. My local adviser made sure that I had all the information to find the resources I needed

* Safety:

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

They made the process very simple and orientation was super helpful and super fun.

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)

New Zealand is an expensive country and the visa did not allow work

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

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Organized
  • Informative
  • Fun
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? All the information I needed was provided to me upon search or if I asked my adviser

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.