Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A semester full of adventure and little responsibility! Past Review

By (Computer Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 07/07/2014 to 11/08/2014 with

University of Otago, New Zealand: Study Abroad Programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad in Dunedin was definitely worthwhile! I was given the opportunity to explore and have fun without the typical stress of a college student schedule. On several occasions I was given the opportunity to put school aside and play for a week at a time. I grew in ways and learned new things that I typically wouldn't be able to.

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.

I took this low academic-stress environment as an opportunity for "personal growth."

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We were housed with other international students and one singular Kiwi host, so it was often difficult to meet Kiwi Students. Also, it seems they make little to no effort to match people with common interests.

* Food:

There's nothing special about the food here. Although, I cannot say I had one bad cup of coffee. It is much cheaper to just cook for yourself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Dunedin is a student town, so it was quite easy to find activities.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I sustained an eye injury while here and the healthcare system was super easy and accessible.

* Safety:

Although Dunedin is definitely a rowdy student town, there was never a time where I felt particularly unsafe in my environment.

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? $160-180
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? My flat was particularly good at keeping our energy bill low by almost never using heat, hang-drying clothes, shorter showers, etc. Cooking dinners as a flat also helped keep expenses down.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Easy access to outdoors/hiking/etc.
  • Low stress schedule
* What could be improved?
  • Housing - there aren't really any options for more affordable housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Try to completely disengage from your home institution. It will all be there when you get back and you want to spend as little time as possible feeling homesick. It's a once in a life time opportunity!

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.