Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Academically fulfilling but socially stressful Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/21/2017 to 06/10/2017 with

University of Otago, New Zealand: Study Abroad Programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I would not do it again given the chance, my semesters at Wellesley have been much more fulfilling.

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?

My building was falling apart and there was near constant noise pollution due to the part atmosphere of the school.

* Food:

Cooked for ourselves

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I only lived with American students, but there were some locals next door.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a health issue and felt very unsupported. The local healthcare system was fine, but the school itself was terrible about accommodations.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I learned a lot but felt pretty constantly lonely.

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? 100, due to cooking for myself

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Academic options
  • Scenery
  • Local culture
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
  • Integration of international students
  • Placement of students from different countries
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I would have to learn to be alone most of the time and that this school is the epitome of a party school.

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.