Just do it Past Review

By (Environmental Studies, Trinity University) for

Arcadia: Dunedin - University of Otago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
How to travel alone, be independent, call for help with I need it, explore, take a step back and realize what is important, exposure to differences, living challenges, perspective, realizing that problems exist everyone and that personal problems don't just disappear but the healing is a process and change of place can help, ways to entertain, desire to live abroad HUGE then and now also to see what is special about everywhere and what is special about everyone, there are good people, willing to help everywhere! lost does happen.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Otago University
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Less intense internal assessment. Learned a lot but the rigor was not as demanding. Allowed me to live a more balanced, healthy life. Learned much more through experience than through books. Spent much time with internationals, people of diverse ages, and in the outdoors. Life lessons. Also about indigenous issues, environmental issues, development controversies from a different than USA reference point. Excellent.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very good faciliation. Would have liked more encouragement to house outside of Uniflats especially second semester.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

go to farmers market!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Queenstown, bike to otago, surfing were best.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Safest place I have ever been

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? none

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • facilitation during first semester
* What could be improved?
  • encouragement of more adventure away from program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Life is still life.