Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Breathtaking scenery and amazing people June 04, 2026

By (Environmental Studies, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/20/2026 to 06/20/2026 with

Frontiers Abroad: New Zealand Earth Systems

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very worthwhile. I learned about Maori practices and how they relate to my interest in environmental sustainability.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 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? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy things unless they are essential! Often you can find them through your program or for very cheap when you have to buy something.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?
  • The staff
  • The exposure to Maori culture
  • Ability to travel
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew ways to connect with the local students better.

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:

Groundwater & Geothermal Systems
Course Department: Geology
Instructor: Darren Gravely
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Research Methods
Course Department: Environemntal Studies
Instructor: Olivia Truax
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Maori Thought, Beliefs, and Practices
Course Department: Maori Studies
Instructor: Corban Te Aika
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Philosophy of Science
Course Department: Philosophy
Instructor: Doug Campbell
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: