Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A geological paradise found in New Zealand Past Review

By (Geology, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/06/2014 to 06/20/2014 with

Frontiers Abroad: New Zealand Earth Systems

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
In terms of being a geology major, this program is fantastic. Field camp was very full of learning and stressful at times, but worth it. The semester studies were decent, especially the semester long independent project.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Field camp
  • Independent project
* What could be improved?
  • Housing (disliked Ilam Apartments)
  • GIS course
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Field camp does not involve camping.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Research Methods
Course Department: Geology
Instructor: Sam Hampton
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was tied in as part of the field work portion of my semester program and was by far the most useful portion of my semester studies.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Te Ao Mawhito: The Ancient Maori World
Course Department: Maori Studies
Instructor: Hamuera
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Geothermal, Ore and Geophysics
Course Department: Geology
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

GIS
Course Department: Geography
Instructor: Kurt Joy, Max Borella
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: