Living Beyond Limits Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The University of Auckland is an excellent school and I felt it was not too intense, but I did have to work hard in the end since our final exams were a huge percentage of our overall grade. Overall, I enjoyed the educational system of lectures and tutorials. Tutorials especially because I could develop a deeper understanding of the subject in a smaller group.

On-site administration of your program

Arcadia is the BEST program any study abroad student can be with. They are very very organized and definitely ahead of the game compared to other programs. The staff were even more amazing and I truly felt loved and cared by them and they often checked up on us throughout the semester. The 4-day trip/orientation provided by Arcadia was by far the best way to adapt to New Zealand and my new friends. Moreover, the additional trips throughout the semester kept me active in traveling and making the most of my experience in New Zealand.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a student apartment with other international students that was only a two minute walk from campus, a five minute walk from three grocery stores, and only a ten minute walk from the main downtown area. It was the best location I could ever wish for and the apartment itself was beyond amazing. I lived in a flat with two other girls - we all had single bedrooms and shared a bathroom, kitchen, and a living room. Every room was already furnished with a bed AND bedding. The only thing we were required to bring was a towel. The whole apartment is relatively clean and there were many common areas such as a game room with a pool table, study lounges, and a theater room.

Because I lived in an apartment, I was responsible for my own food by cooking everyday. I personally loved cooking everyday and because my apartment is conveniently located near several grocery stores including international markets and farmers markets on weekends, I had no problem getting fresh ingredients.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The city of Auckland is very diverse especially the student population at the University of Auckland. Because I lived in an international student apartment, most of my friends were not from New Zealand, but from other parts of the world. I only got to experience local culture by making friends in my classes and when I traveled out of the city and met new people.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have personal experience with healthcare, but my program constantly told us about our insured healthcare during orientation.

Overall, I felt really safe in the city of Auckland. I could walk around the city by myself for hours during the day and feel completely safe. Of course I would not walk around by myself at night, but with a group of friends, walking around at night was also felt very safe.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It was relatively easy to live on a student budget, but I did have to give up eating out a lot or buying expensive ingredients such as chicken and other meat. I really had budget my money towards what I thought was worthwhile to spend during my time abroad.

Select all that apply

• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Organized
• On-top of everything
• Truly genuine staff

• Nothing
• N/A
• N/A

The Networker