Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Otago does not get in the way of the abroad experience, it is the experience. Past Review

By (Philosophy, Middlebury College) - abroad from 07/02/2015 to 11/06/2015 with

University of Otago, New Zealand: Study Abroad Programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned sometimes you have to stop and smell the roses

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

the workload left plenty of time to explore the country

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

they were very accomodating and took care of international students

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

housing was great and international complexes let you hang out and enjoy the company of students with the same mindset as you.

* Food:

meals will have to be cooked by you or your housemates. there are no dining halls.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

you will have to put yourself out there to meet others but you will be living with local hosts so they usually brideg the gap.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

the college has an insurance policy and they are very helpful

* Safety:

the city is big enough to be lots of fun with nightlife, but small enough to be safe

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)

I lived off about 100 NZD a week. Depending on the lifestyle you live and how much you travel this could be considerably more

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about 40 NZD on food and 30NZD on other things, then travel expenses depending on the week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to OUSA lunches they are only 3 dollars for a very filling lunch.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • The country
* What could be improved?
  • More of an orientation could have been given
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not much. Surprises are fun.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Environmental Philosophy
Course Department: Bio/Phil
Instructor: James Maclaurin
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was challenging and unlike any other class we have at middlebury. There were several local perspectives and it was refreshing to hear other viewpoints.
Credit Transfer Issues: