Experiential education that will change your worldview Past Review
By A student (Macalester College) - abroad from 08/30/2016 to 12/09/2016 with
HECUA: New Zealand - Culture and the Environment : A Shared Future
I learned a lot about different perspectives on issues of climate change and animal agriculture that I had not considered before. We learned a lot about indigenous Maori perspectives, and being able to live with, and learn from these people really changed how I look at things. It showed me another, more integrated, holistic way to view the world.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were not particularly difficult because the program was built more on experiential education. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had an excellent host family! I also enjoyed travelling around with the group prior to settling down in Wellington. |
| * Food: |
When we travelled as a group, we cooked communal meals which were fun and delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not need to deal with any healthcare issues. |
| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Though there are always issues with programs, I felt this one to be particularly impactful in the way it opened me to new perspectives on the world and immersed me in New Zealand life. |
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) |
Once you paid for the program, everything basic was taken care of. You were provided with three meals a day. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Get NZ currency in bulk, because the exchange rate is good. Coffee is expensive, so you need to decided how much you want/need it. |
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? | There are a lot of small things, like definitely bring a computer, but on a broader level, not to try to have a plan at all times, but just to enjoy the experience. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
