New Zealand: A Whirlwind of Adventure Past Review
By Molly G (PSYCHOLOGY., Wellesley College) for
The University of Auckland: Auckland - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I gained personal independence, perspective and greater worldview. I didn't gain much in the academic sense, but in the personal realm I grew as a person, student and traveler.
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was much, much lighter on a daily basis than my experiences in the American System. Classes were very large lectures, and grades were based on two components: a midterm and a final. There were virtually no other assignments over the course of the semester. The teaching methods differed also: professors lectured from powerpoints consistently, without much variation. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very little support given by the international office. Really just on your own in the sense of getting around the university. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was very lucky to find housing in a dorm with other students, although the students were two years younger than I. I was very very close to class as well as the center of the city. I was supplied with sheets, but had to buy other bedding and room supplies. |
* Food: |
Very very poor quality food, not only in the dining hall but in the surrounding restaurants and supermarkets. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
They didn't arrange any trips--I arranged trips myself. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
Extremely safe atmosphere and country. Healthcare was included in the university tuition and was very easily accessible, prescriptions were cheap. No health issues--first world care and treatment. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
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Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | It was unavoidable to buy food and drink outside of the given sustenance. Would spend 50+ dollars a week on food although I already had a supplied meal plan for 3 meals a day, because the meals were inedible and nutrition deficient. Also, personal items (bath, soap, toothpaste, clothing, etc. ) are all MUCH MORE expensive than in the U.S. Any item that you required was 3x as much there, due to costs of importation. I would recommend bringing any personal items in bulk so that you don't have to buy them there. |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Costs of luggage, cost of clothing, personal items. All very very high. Food is much more expensive as well. |
Language
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Direct Enrollment/Exchange
* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | This program is in an urban setting where you can have fun, but need to get out of the city to experience New Zealand as a country itself. An adventurous and outgoing student with the personal incentive to explore would thrive here. |