Different than at home and challenging but overall very fun. Past Review
By A student (History/Social Studies and Secondary Education, Western Washington University) - abroad from 07/16/2012 to 09/21/2012 with
EducatorsAbroad: Traveling - Student Teaching (10-18 Weeks)
I became more confident in my teaching abilities BUT I think teaching at an all girls school (which I did really enjoy) didn't prepare me for the types of schools I'll be applying to at home. I think teaching all girls is a very different experience than teaching at a co-ed school. I wish my experience was more applicable.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I didn't have the opportunity to teach as much as I'd like because of how the NZ school system is set up. At least at this school, during the time of year I was there the students were mostly doing "internals" which are independently worked on project-based assessments. So often times I was assisting students but wasn't facilitating discussion, or teaching the class--the students were just working independently on their assessments. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any healthcare needs while away. |
| * Safety: |
I was often told not to walk around after dark by myself, even in the smaller suburb I was staying in because of the gang influence in the area. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
175 per week for room and board (only dinner), ended up spending at least 60 dollars a week on breakfast and lunch items. Misc costs for teaching supplies, etc. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | No |
| * 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? | $250+ |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan your food purchases very carefully. NZ has a very high cost of living which equates to high prices at the grocery store. Also try to go to the "budget" grocery stores (Pak n' Save & Countdown). |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | The dressed very professionally at the school I taught at. Had I know this prior I would have packed (or bought at home) more professional clothing because clothing here is much more expensive. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
