Teaching in New Zealand; a trip of a lifetime! Past Review
By Lisa L (Language, Literacy & Cultural Studies, Western Washington University) for
EducatorsAbroad: Traveling - Student Teaching (10-18 Weeks)
I can't wait to teach abroad again and return to New Zealand one day. If all my family did not live here I would live/teach in Whakatane, New Zealand in a heartbeat.
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. |
I thought this was a great experience and I learned so much from being placed in a different school system of a different country. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Educators Abroad did a fine job organizing a wonderful family for me to live with during my student teaching internship. There was an on-site coordinator who was there every step of the way to answer my questions. I also felt well supported through getting my visa, health insurance, etc. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was greeted very warmly an felt part of the family right away. I only needed to supply toiletries for my homestay and all linen, towels, laundry, cookware, etc. was provided. I lived in a very safe, friendly neighborhood that was near to my school I was interning at. I had my own spare room and felt comfortable with my own space. |
* Food: |
The fruit in New Zealand is delicious, and be sure to try all of the seafood!! |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
While in New Zealand I was able to participate in an all school hungi and pohiri as we were having a Maori event of opening up a new schoool hall. I also visited an active volcano, called White Island. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
I felt extremely safe the entire time and never had any health complications or accidents. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Language
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
* What did you like most about the program? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This program was remarkable and truly the best 3 months I've had during my college years. This city and country was a great location and I would recommend this experience to students that feel comfortable living on their own with limited communication with people back home. You should also love the sun and beach :) |