Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

new zealand road trip with a side of academics Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/18/2017 to 06/21/2017 with

University of Otago, New Zealand: Study Abroad Programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was definitely worthwhile. I would not be able to spend that much time abroad, especially in a place as far as New Zealand, at another point in my life, so I was really grateful to be able to do that.

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?

* Food:

all own cooking

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

had no issues with my health so never needed to address it

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150 on necessities
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? No. The abroad office should give tips as well.

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • I liked the living arrangement. My kiwi host in particular wasnt great, but I liked living with other international students in a house together.
* What could be improved?
  • I really think having grades count towards GPA is worthless and gets in the way of the experience. I could have seen much more of the country if I did not have to worry about spending time in the library to perfect every assignment I handed in.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had tips on budgeting and an understanding of how a huge university is very different than a school with 2500 students.

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:

History of New Zealand
Course Department: History
Instructor: Michael Stevens
Instruction Language: english
Comments: The most boring/dry class I've ever taken. Both professors looked bored during all the lectures and I don't feel I learned anything tangible about New Zealand history or culture
Credit Transfer Issues: Havent transferred credits
Course Name/Rating:

Psych in Legal Contexts
Course Department: Psych
Instructor: Rachel Zajac
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Really liked the teacher. The assignments are challenging but doable for any Midd student.
Credit Transfer Issues: Haven't transferred them yet.
Course Name/Rating:

Tartain Noir
Course Department: English
Instructor: Liam McIIvanney
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Great professor, really interesting and clearly a professional in his field. Had a small writing assignment, long essay, and exam as well as some short presentations in class.
Credit Transfer Issues: Haven't transferred credits yet
Course Name/Rating:

Gender 101
Course Department: Gender
Instructor: Annabel Cooper
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Not that great of a class - wouldn't necessarily recommend it. Giant lecture of 100+ people and not very engaging.
Credit Transfer Issues: Havent transferred credits yet