My trip to New Zealand: I don't like making up titles Past Review
By Haley M (Philosophy., Trinity University) for
Arcadia: Dunedin - University of Otago
Definately worthwhile, it's hard to explain the kind of insight and cultural awareness you develop. Plus, its just a fun adventure.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Awesome program in the host country, the leader, Jane, is a badass. Really adventurous, and fun, and really takes the time to get to know everyone personally. They already had our names memorized when we stepped off the plane. The onsite leader in Dunedin, was just a student, and really nice too. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was a flat with mostly Americans and one Kiwi host. I wished I could live with more locals, but we lived next door to locals, and in flats, so it was still a really awesome "emersion" experience. Also, the housing arrangements are all within walking distance of Dunedin's downtown and shopping area. Also, living is VERY close to the university. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were some interesting field trips, and I learned a lot. It wasn't exactly my thing to travel in a large group of Americans, but the actual things we did were fun. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
New Zealand is super safe! One time my kiwi host left her purse outside on top of her car and then when she came out in the morning it was still there. That being said there is a lot of petty crime from other students since they all live close together. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Food was definately more expensive than in the U.S., but the exchange rate made things about even when I was there. I spent about 50 bucks a week on food, more or less depending on the week, and I'm pretty cheap. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Orientation will cost a lot more than you expect. As well as getting everything, like bedding, hangers, etc. Also, trips can be slightly expensive, because you have to either rent a car or buy a crappy one for all year... |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
New Zealand politics |
| Course Department: | POLS |
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| Comments: | |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | I only needed it as an elective credit, so I don't know how well it transfers. However, the class was relatively easy and really interesting. It could be overly simple at times since it is New Zeland students into to politics class, but because New Zealand is such a small country I found that learning about thier government was really interesting and unique. |
