Frontiers Abroad - DEFINITELY do it! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I loved Frontiers Abroad. I feel as though I didn't miss out on an opportunity to speak a second language because I learned to speak Geology fluently! The field camp taught me so many valuable skills in fieldwork and reporting and mapping, and I made some truly lifelong friends. The professors are all extremely knowledgeable, but they let you take the reins and use your reasoning to figure it out. Field camp is the perfect mix of fun and work, hiking and swimming and relaxing and yes, even having a beer together. The university semester is also valuable in terms of furthering a research project, where I hadn't otherwise participated in research that I could call my own. New Zealand is the best country ever and provides a million and one opportunities for fun, adventuring, and making friends and memories. I had a simply wonderful time.

On-site administration of your program

UC and FA do a great job of providing the assistance you need to adjust to big university life. They understand you're only there for the semester, and they'll help you through. Classes were great and not too stressful, ever.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was living in a house off campus owned by Frontiers Abroad, and many beautiful memories were made. The house is huge and the gardens beautiful, and everything you could possibly need is provided for you.

New Zealand doesn't really have an established "cuisine," per se, and food is expensive, but they do a good job with what they have. Hangi, the Maori way of cooking, is delicious. Fish and chips reign king in NZ, and you'll never pay more than 5NZD for them. The beer and wine are pretty good, too :). UC has an organic garden, take advantage of it!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made friends with Kiwis in Motosoc, the on campus cars club, but RockSoc, the geology society, was very welcoming and fun, too. I felt that having that connection really integrated me into the culture, and I still feel as though I'm part Kiwi.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No issues, but one of my friends broke his ankle during our time there, and he was well provided for.

ChCh is extremely safe, though the culture is very male-dominated and encouraging of drunken behavior, so being catcalled or drunkenly harassed wasn't uncommon.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Food is expensive. And travel is relatively cheap but still costs money. And the beer budget was a little more than expected.

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• The people
• The volcanoes
• The travel during field camp

• General organization

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer