A most incredible six months! Past Review
By Joshua J (Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/07/2012 to 06/25/2012 with
Frontiers Abroad: New Zealand Earth Systems
I had so many amazing experiences traveling and hiking in the incredible country that is New Zealand! I was also able to push myself academically in my major which was somewhat unexpected but definitely great. It was one of the most worthwhile experiences I've ever had!
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Through this program, I took classes at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand |
| 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. |
The academic experience was surprisingly rigorous. I had heard from previous students that this was not the case at other New Zealand universities. Part of it was that 3 of my courses were upper-level/graduate-level geology classes. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Program was very organized and well run! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Pretty good, main downside was having to pay for internet. |
| * Food: |
We had the freedom to choose our own food options, so I cooked for myself. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Most students in our housing block were international students, but was able to meet many New Zealand students through my courses. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
No health issues came up |
| * Safety: |
Felt very safe! |
| 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) |
Everything is expensive in New Zealand, especially groceries and all of the touristy stuff |
| * 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? | 100-150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make sure you save up money before you go abroad! |
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? | You will spend all of your money! |
