Life changing adventure Past Review
By Jessica Karpa (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 02/15/2017 to 06/15/2017 with
API (Academic Programs International): Wellington - Victoria University of Wellington
I learned so much about being independant and traveling. I made so many friends from all over the world. I have had experiences there that changed my life forever. New Zealand has helped me find a new passion for climbing and mountaineering I would have never gotten to explore at my home university.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Amazing, loved this place. Lots of opportunity to adventure and travel. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Great housing, placed with people like me. Loved how they placed me with all vegans because I am also vegan. |
* Food: |
Food was good, however you had to buy seasonal veggies otherwise it is too expensive. Also not a huge selection of vegan foods in the grocery stores. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
You need to go out of your way to make friends with local students. International tended to stick with internationals. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Good health care although some things were not covered which I thought really should be. |
* Safety: |
Very safe. Although should walk home at night with a buddy. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Amazing program, amazing people. So incredibly helpful, API was there for me every step of the way. |
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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
Food was a bit expensive however it is important to keep in mind the exchange rate. Overall, I was happy with how I spent. Gas is also expensive. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 150$ |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Always carpool when traveling, look for seasonal foods, follow a budget to avoid going overboard. |
Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | To pack differently and bring more outdoors gear. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |