Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Unforgettable Middle Earth Adventure Past Review

By (University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 02/19/2016 to 06/24/2016 with

Auckland University of Technology (AUT): Auckland - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The most important thing I would say I gained was confidence. Something about traveling abroad, on your own, and making it to the finish line unscathed is such a rewarding experience. I also learned patience in so many different forms. Most importantly, though, when understanding and being immersed within all of the different cultures that make up the Auckland population. I also started to notice New Zealand has actually made me much calmer in terms of my anxiety, the new experiences and pushing the boundaries when it came to traveling around Middle Earth made me embrace change and new people. This was definitely a worthwhile adventure.

Review Photos

Auckland University of Technology (AUT): Auckland - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

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?

* 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

This was my first time being abroad ever, besides going to Canada. I do not know if I will ever make it out of the USA again, and I was happy that I chose to go as far away as I could if that is the case (which I hope it isn't). Also, New Zealand is very similar to the States and mostly has English speaking citizens. All of this made it easier for me to transition to a totally different country. New Zealand was a great, and very beautiful, country for me to test the waters of traveling. And once there, all of the faculty and people that I met made the experience even more incredible. The experience changed me for the better and I would do it all over again.

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? 30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you have the time beforehand, work as hard as you can to save before going abroad. It will be hard but it makes the time there so much more enjoyable when you don't have to constantly worry about money. Also, make a budget (with more factored in then you know you'll need) and track your spending in the easiest way for you during your time abroad, it makes decisions on unplanned trips and other expenses easier to decide on when you know exactly how much you have left.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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 people, both international and local
  • The history of the country
* What could be improved?
  • The price
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that not everything will go according to plan. I was so nervous about traveling on my own and I planned everything down to the minute because I did not want to miss out on anything. However, I wish I knew that sometimes the best experiences are the ones that weren't planned in the first place. Also, I wish I knew that it's okay to take it easy sometimes. When being in a country and living there for 5 months, you can't expect to be nonstop traveling, hiking, or sightseeing. Sometimes, you just have to relax. I know now that that is perfectly okay.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.