Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Wonderful Semester Abroad Past Review

By (University of New Hampshire) - abroad from 02/09/2019 to 06/23/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot of perspective about what matters and what doesn't, and about what is worth being stressed about. It was absolutely worthwhile.

Review Photos

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

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.

I am an equine major, and Massey provides a variety of equine courses, which I loved. Courses there are very research based, and my time there has actually inspired me to pursue a graduate degree to work in research myself. TEAN has a number of resources available before and during your semester abroad to help you prepare for the difference in academic life, which made the transition feel easy.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I had one person in Palmerston North, and she was a huge help when I needed something specific there. When I had some issues with billing, she not only helped me get things sorted, but she made the experience much less stressful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Dorm life at Massey is much nicer-huge single room, actually nicely furnished. I felt like I was living lavishly. TEAN allows you to list your preferred housing options from most to least likely, and you can see and read about each option in advance.

* Food:

The food wasn't great, and it was a bit overpriced. However, there was flexibility in the meal plan options, and the dining staff are so kind. The first week I was there, I didn't have a meal plan yet, but they fed me anyway, which made being new so much less scary.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I settled right into Kiwi life, and honestly had worse reverse culture shock coming back to the U.S.. Being surrounded by generally happy, relaxed people who take pride in themselves and their country was refreshing, and I loved how much respect exists for the environment and Maori culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt safer there than I do at home. Palmerston North is safe, small, and well lit. TEAN also has a lot of planning about reaching you in an emergency, encouraging you to always tell someone your travel plans, and how to get you home in an emergency.

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

Palmerston North was an excellent location to be based out of, and TEAN made all of the hard/scary parts a lot easier and less scary.

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)

I loved the exchange rate and that tips/tax are included. TEAN also offers a lot of advice on how to budget to get the most experience for your money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? around 50-100, but I spent a lot on trips.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Pay for experiences, not items!

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
* 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?
  • Traveling
  • Communication
  • How much they helped plan
* What could be improved?
  • Communication between TEAN and Massey
  • maybe housing options
  • Not arriving so much earlier than classes start
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The time really does fly by fast.

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.