Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

So much to do in New Zealand June 18, 2024

By (Environmental Studies and Geography, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/23/2024 to 06/23/2024 with

Frontiers Abroad: New Zealand Earth Systems

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was a relaxing change of pace from life at Middlebury. During my semester abroad, I had free time to explore and get outside, which I loved.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic rigor was honestly less than I would have liked. Many local students at the university were not very engaged in classes, and I feel like I could have benefitted from even a little bit more regular homework.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Pretty good, lots of resources available and they were very helpful to students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Overall very good. Could have used an oven and a dishwasher but otherwise great accommodations. I lived in a flat with four other students.

* Food:

Food was only provided on the field camp portion of the semester. It was alright, but could have been more nutritious, especially at breakfast.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I tried to make friends with locals in class and through clubs but I found it hard to do. Living with other Americans also contributed to the lack of interaction with locals I think.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I tried to see a therapist at the university there multiple times and it was a disappointing experience each time.

* Safety:

I felt overall very safe in Christchurch.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I really liked the support of being part of a small program.

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 (travel mostly)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a New World tourist rewards card

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None in Te Reo
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Field camp
  • Apartment living
  • 3 week mid semester break
* What could be improved?
  • Lectures in field methods class
  • More advice about getting outside in NZ
  • More structured activities during the semester (after field camp)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you want to go hiking/tramping in NZ, a lot of that has to be done before the mid-semester break due to weather

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:

Systems Thinking for Sustainability
Course Department:
Instructor: Travis Horton
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Not challenging, could have been more useful
Credit Transfer Issues: Not yet
Course Name/Rating:

Introduction to Te Reo Māori

Course Department: TREO
Instructor: Unaiki Melrose/Maria Cooper
Instruction Language: English/Maori
Comments: I could have gotten more out of it if there were a bit more homework. Maria (tutorial instructor) seemed uncertain about some pieces of course content.
Credit Transfer Issues: Not yet
Course Name/Rating:

Field focused research methods in environmental science
Course Department:
Instructor: Olivia Truax, Sarah Smithies
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I really enjoyed the field research aspect but lectures were often long and not super captivating.
Credit Transfer Issues: Not yet
Course Name/Rating:

Mountain Weather and Climates
Course Department: Geography
Instructor: Marwan Katurji
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very good instruction, and interesting content. I just didn’t like how the second half of the semester was only report writing. I could have learned more if we had had more homework.
Credit Transfer Issues: Not yet