came to New Zealand as an anxious student and left as a confident teacher! Past Review
By Anna C (Elementary Education, Western Washington University) for
EducatorsAbroad: Traveling - Student Teaching (10-18 Weeks)
I have gained a lot of confidence through this experience and also broadened my ideas about education. I think I have a lot more to offer having experienced teaching in a different culture.
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The work load was similar to what it would have been at home. However, adjusting to a foreign country, getting to know your host family, and becoming familiar with a new school added more stress to the equation. Despite feeling like I hit the ground running, I truly truly enjoyed this experience. New Zealand is a wonderful place and I wish schools back home were as laid back as they are here. The people made this experience such an amazing one and I think I learned so much more through this program than I would have at home. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Although I loved my school and faculty, I felt that there was little knowledge about what specific criteria needed to be met during my time at the school. Even though I had a supervisor I don't feel like he did much in terms of relaying things to the school. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I got really really really lucky with my family! They were amazing, however I did find out that there wasn't an application process for them or any sort of background check, which makes me feel as though things could have gone badly. |
* Food: |
I am not a picky eater at all but my host family prepared very good meals! |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There is so much to do in New Zealand, but the beaches and hiking have been the most memorable because this is such a beautiful place! |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
I didn't have any health issues while I was away but I think they would have been taken care of easily considering the environment I was in. |
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? | Do it! I learned so much and I know I would not have the confidence I have now if I wouldn't have taken this risk and stepped out of my comfort zone. New Zealand is one of a kind place, experience it! |