Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

New Zealand: A Wonderful Whirlwind Experience Past Review

By (Politics & Public Relations, Drake University) - abroad from 06/22/2013 to 11/14/2013 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Palmerston North - Massey University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Living in a new country for a semester opened my eyes to the vastness and diversity of the world we live in, but also helped me to see that people from all backgrounds can be considered as part of our "world family." I saw and experienced things I never would have had the chance to staying in the United States, and overall I think I learned most about myself, what I love and what I want to pursue in the future.

Review Photos

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Palmerston North - Massey University Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Palmerston North - Massey University Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Palmerston North - Massey University Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program directors were always very accessible, even though I did not attend a school that had an on-site residential director. Any question I had was easily answered via email and I never felt like there was a question I couldn't ask.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living on-campus in Totara Hall - the close environment allowed me to make fast friends with the Kiwis and other international students. By the end of the semester we all felt like a big family, which meant a lot to me.

* Food:

The food quality at the dining hall is excellent. They have great vegetarian options and everything is so fresh - super tasty!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

New Zealanders are so friendly and approachable - all of the students I meant during my time there definitely did their best to make me feel at home!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe living in Palmerston North. It is a fairly medium-sized city with many friendly residents. Plus, campus is located outside of town in a relatively secluded area, and campus security are always present.

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)

Unfortunately, the cost of food and other daily expenses is high in New Zealand, compared to what we are used to living in the United States. However, the university provides plenty of information regarding payment plans and I was always fully aware of what I was paying for and to whom. On the meal plan I didn't have to grocery shop, so all of my outside expenses were travel and entertainment - which were well worth it!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The 5 day trip to Fiji!
  • The accessibility of all of the TEAN staff
  • The great people of New Zealand, who are so welcoming and friendly!
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing I can think of, TEAN was amazing to work with!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The semester seriously flies by faster than you can even imagine - so although I did amazing things with my time there and missed my family dearly, I wish I could've stayed longer! Advice to new students - make the absolute most out of the time you have, you will never regret it.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.