Grateful for all the experiences I had (and lots of hiking!) Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/20/2019 to 06/20/2019 with
University of Otago, New Zealand: Study Abroad Programme
more independence and confidence in living alone and abroad in a new place with new people yes
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I took courses that I did not have all the prerequisites for, so I found myself working harder than at my home institution. However, some of my friends on the other hand took courses that were far easier. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed in UniFlats which provided a lot of programming throughout the semester which was nice. I think it's a hit or miss on whether you get along with you flat or not -- I've heard a lot of stories from both sides. |
| * Food: |
I was responsible for my own food, but OUSA had free breakfast on Wednesdays and during finals, and $3 lunches during weekdays. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Too many Americans on semester-long exchanges. It was hard to move outside that circle, but if you actively sought other communities, you could find them. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The emergency healthcare system was so lovely. They were kind and caring and friendly, and helped walk me through what I would need to do to use my insurance. The country also has accident care coverage which is so helpful to cover costs. |
| * Safety: |
Dunedin is very safe; most people do not lock their flats. I know of one instance where someone's luggage got stolen out of their car when it was parked outside their flat on their way to the airport. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
While it seemed nice to be in an exchange program at times, I'm glad that I was forced to put myself out there to find friends and I wasn't constantly surrounded by Americans. |
Finances
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* 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? | 130 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | get a savings card at the grocery store immediately; buy produce from Veggie Boys; get club cards for petrol or use grocery store coupons |
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
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | use the OUSA discount to book a shuttle to and from the airport; you have to pay for each club you join |
