The most beautiful country I've ever been too Past Review

By (University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/09/2016 to 08/28/2016 with

University of Northern Iowa: UNI Capstone in New Zealand

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Very worthwhile, there are countries that seem more into environmentally friendly things, like using toilets with less water use, refilling bottles instead of buying new ones, there are many diverse people in every country, and currency is different as well as its value abroad.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

No elevators in some hostels, hard to carry bags upstairs

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Did not really need any care, but it was hard to find the equivalent of some medicines, like pepto bismol.

* Safety:

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

Have to try to hike a mountain that was cancelled when we were there.

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)

You can easily find meals that are around $10 or less, but there are things that you want to try that may cost up to $30 a meal- sometimes even more.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200-300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat a lot during the free meal they provide, bring snack bars and drinks to snack on, and refill your own water bottle because they are expensive to keep buying.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? ?
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? sing songs!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The mountains
  • The food
  • The Lord of the Rings film sites
* What could be improved?
  • better communication if an event is canceled
  • slower walks/ hikes to enjoy the view
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack even lighter

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.