New Zealand: Life, One Beautiful Day at a Time Past Review
By Matt J (Political Science, University of California - San Diego) for
University of Otago, New Zealand: Study Abroad Programme
This whole experience was very worth while. I learned a lot about myself, about other cultures perspective of the US, and about alternative lifestyles than that one I led back home. Studying abroad will challenge what you think you know about yourself, and will shape you into a better and more understanding person.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses and course workload is not that much different from UCSD, aside from the fact that New Zealand operates on Semesters not Quarters. Grading is way different, 80-85 is an A-, 85-90 an A, and anything higher than 90 is an A+, so don't be discouraged if you're getting back assignments marked with a 75, that's a B+! Lectures are exactly the same and discussions in most cases are optional. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
We had a big international student orientation day with a free BBQ and train ride. Living in the University Flats (international housing) was a great experience, and people were always available to help if you needed it. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing is very close to campus and to the downtown Dunedin area. Only complaint is that Kiwi's haven't quite caught on to insulation in their housing, and it gets very cold in Dunedin so sometimes the house is not that much warmer than outside. |
| * Food: |
Uni Flats didn't have a dining plan so all food must be bought at the local New World or Countdown. Food prices tend to be a bit more expensive than in the US, which is a major downside, but all the food is great. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Travel everywhere and without reservation. Do things you wouldn't normally do. New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places on Earth so try and do as much as you can while you're here. Personal favorites include Queenstown and Wanaka, the Fiordlands, and Arthur's Pass. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Never had one problem. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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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? | If you love the outdoors: backpacking, kayaking, sailing, snowboarding, rafting, bungy jumping, etc... this is the place for you. If you have lived in a city all your life and want to experience an adventure, this is the place for you. Don't hesitate to do anything, and when in doubt, say yes!! |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Maori Societies |
| Course Department: | Maori Studies 102 |
| Instructor: | Suzanne Duncan |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | A must take if you have electives to spare. Gives the history of the Maori people in New Zealand and is a popular class for international students. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
