NZ IS PARADISE! Everyone should come here! Past Review
By Lyssa G (Marketing., Providence College) - abroad from 02/21/2013 to 07/02/2013 with
Arcadia: Auckland - University of Auckland
I've had the most amazing, eye-opening experience abroad. I discovered more about myself, what I like to do, and what I want to do with my life. I've got the travel bug and want to keep exploring everywhere I can. I've learned to take a step back and relax, and enjoy what's out there!
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. |
The courses are mainly large lectures. Depending on the level of courses you take the difficulty ranges. 100 level courses are typically easier, my 200 and 300 level courses were challenging. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Kate and Jane with Arcadia are great! They are there to help in any way possible. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Unilodge is a prime location within 5 minutes walking distance to uni and downtown. Although the location is convenient the rooms are typical dorm style rooms with 4 singles and a communal living room/kitchen. You don't get that "flat" feeling that some other accommodations provide. |
| * Food: |
I would suggest cooking as many meals as you can although it can be quite difficult. We only had a stove in our immediate room, and a communal oven with the entire building. Eating out can be expensive as can groceries. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was exposed to a lot of Maori culture during my time here and interacted with a lot of kiwi classmates, however living in Unilodge we had little to no kiwi residents, and most of my friends are other study abroad students. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I feel completely safe walking around Auckland day and night. |
| 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) |
Food is expensive, as is going out at night in town with friends. Other expenses included traveling most weekends and for mid-semester break. |
| 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? | Try to cook as much as you can! Save your money for fun stuff like traveling! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Pack less (more outdoor clothing especially if you plan on hiking/tramping, etc) and bring more money. Everything here is more expensive. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
