Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Shadowing in New Zealand Past Review

By (Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology, Chatham University) - abroad from 05/20/2016 to 06/17/2016 with

Atlantis: Pre-med Fellowship Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The physicians in the program-chosen hospital were incredibly friendly and accommodating and they went the extra mile to explain concepts and examination procedures

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We did many excursions throughout the country

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

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? I was able to squeeze in some extra work hours because of a short May semester at my university and putting all of that aside really helped. I also started a GoFundMe and got a surprising response from my friends and family. I also keep a reserved account through my banking and put aside some money from my paychecks and I was able to use that to cover the trip. Lastly I applied for a short, on-campus job for the first three weeks of the upcoming semester that I could use to money to make up excess that I took outside of my reserve account.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Hospital experience
  • Program Structure
* What could be improved?
  • Program length flexibility
  • Timeframe of financial assistance
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would've known that the weather in Auckland is incredibly rainy in the winter. I'm from the northeast so the cold doesn't bother me, but bringing a nicer rain jacket would've been beneficial.

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!