Kiwi Life is the Best Life Past Review
By Stephanie W (University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) - abroad from 06/11/2012 to 07/06/2012 with
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Intern in New Zealand
I learned how to talk to people I didn't know. And I learned a lot about myself and how I view the world from a different perspective. And I learned that I want to travel EVERYWHERE. Definitely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| 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. |
Though it was not a "study" abroad experience, I did learn valuable lessons in my field of study, which is what I was most looking forward to about my experience in New Zealand. It was very relaxed--perfect fit for me! |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My "kiwi mom" was so great! She kept up with all of us several times per week, texting and helping us out in any way she could. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was kind of a touch-and-go housing situation, but it all worked out and the housing turned into a fun experience to meet a lot of Americans. |
| * Food: |
The food was GREAT! But kind of expensive. Good news: Sushi was $5. Bad news: Mexican was $13. They had a lot of fresh food and a lot of different cultural foods from other places that we don't have access to here in the States. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Although I lived with Americans, I worked with a New Zealander and got to learn all about New Zealand artists and met a lot of people that came through the art gallery that I worked at. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had strep throat on the plane ride there and for my first few days, but my Kiwi mom took me to the doctor down the street and helped me with anything I needed! And the doctors were very nice and it was relatively inexpensive. |
| * Safety: |
Even at night when we would go out, I felt so safe. It's not a typical "city." I ended up losing my purse (containing my passport, debit card, $200 NZD and $300 USD cash, my iPhone (worth $900 in NZ)) and my friend lost his Patagonia jacket in a club/bar one night and I went back the next day and someone had turned everything in to a bartender behind the counter. Now those are nice people!! |
| 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) |
We went out a lot and took a road trip and a flight, so that took up a lot of money. But had I not traveled around, it would have been fairly easy to live on a student's budget. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you're going out, start with some cheap stuff at home. $8 beers add up quick. And there are a lot of inexpensive native wines, especially in New Zealand. And find the deals! There are usually free bubbly or $1 drinks on certain nights. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I learned that even when I'm a minority, that's no reason to be shy. |
