Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

New Zealand: The Chance to Embolden the Character You've Always Wanted Past Review

By (COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES., Trinity University) - abroad from 07/12/2014 to 11/17/2014 with

Arcadia: Auckland - University of Auckland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Haha there is no way I could fit all I learned when I was abroad in this box. It was quite worthwhile. I proved to myself that I can maintain and improve upon the qualities of myself that I like most while uncovering new ones at the same time. I have gained confidence in new (and sometimes bizarre) situations. I have also acquired friends for the long haul.

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.

Arcadia the program did a fabulous job, however I prefer the schooling system at Trinity University better than at the University of Auckland. I went abroad to learn more than what I found in the classroom though.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My living arrangement left little to be desired.

* Food:

I learned how to cook and shop for myself for the first time in my life. The food therefore struggled at first but became fairly tasty by the end of my stay!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I have many Kiwi experiences and retain many Kiwi relationships even after the program ended.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Yay for Auckland. I felt safe, especially when with Arcadia personel

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)

Well I spent maybe around $70 a week on groceries, and maybe $30 otherwise. I could have spent less, I could've easily spent more.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan out meals for the week. Learn to like your own cooking.

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
  • 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 activities
  • The quality of interactions with leaders and the others on my program
  • The friendliness
* What could be improved?
  • Mmm I haven't been able to come up with much
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Everything was going to be more than fine. Also cooking wouldn't be bad.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!