Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Sweet As Trip Bro! Past Review

By (BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES., Trinity University) - abroad from 07/12/2015 to 11/17/2015 with

Arcadia: Auckland - University of Auckland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Sometimes, your best friends are in other parts of the world! I received so many priceless blessings!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My rating reflects the fact that I come from a smaller university (2200 students) and I am used to the teaching methods taught here more than I am at the University of Auckland (26000 students). I felt like I had to learn everything on my own, professors were not as resourceful as home. This is just my personal opinion! You may love the school if you yourself attend a huge state school! Cheers!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Kate, Jane, and Felicity were all phenomenal! They made me feel at home in New Zealand right when I arrived! They are quite organized, energetic, and genuinely caring! I love them!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed at Carlaw Park Student Village, which is the newest student housing at UoA. It was extremely comfortable, I loved my flatmates, and I loved having my own room!

* Food:

Food was expensive! Roughly $15 a meal. I cooked for myself about 95% of the time.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel like I was able to be integrated into the local culture because I found an awesome church family there. I attended LIFE and met some of the best and most compassionate people in my life! My flatmates and some classmates also made me feel at home!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Very easy to book an appointment to see a doctor on campus.

* Safety:

I love that New Zealand bans guns! I felt relatively safe walking around town; although, some parts were quite sifty. But overall, I felt comfortable.

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)

I was able to live on a budget by buying groceries on special every week and cooking most meals. I also rarely went out because I wanted to allocate more money to traveling!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I try to spend around $100 (But of course this is because I like to eat well and healthy)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy foods in bulk when on special! When meats are on sale, buy them in bulk (a week's supply), freeze them, then use them as needed! Also, make your own food when possible! Look for easy recipes! I made my own almond milk and butter!

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?
  • The housing situation
  • The people I met
  • The beautiful landscape
* What could be improved?
  • Food prices
  • University experience
  • Transportation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You don't really have to worry much about managing on your own! The Arcadia reps are there to help any time you need!

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 Urbanite
A 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.