Study Abroad should be mandatory for all students!! Past Review
By A student (University of Rochester) - abroad from 02/14/2012 to 06/26/2012 with
IES Abroad: Auckland Direct Enrollment - University Of Auckland
We only have so long on this earth, so make the best of every moment, and experience as much as you possibly can!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes are a bit easier than they are at home. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Great! We went on multiple field trips with our program administrator. He was always available to talk to as well. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I opted to live in a homestay. This is a great way to get the authentic experience, and I also have made a lifelong friendship with my host family. |
| * Food: |
The food in New Zealand is--in general--better than the US. Vegetables are fresher, meat is more flavorful, and of course Kiwis love their sweets! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was not a huge cultural transition. People are just a little more laid-back in New Zealand. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Auckland is a relatively safe city, and I never felt in danger at any time. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
Auckland is not the cheapest city, especially if you like to go out and get a drink on weekends. But overall, I would say the trip didn't cost much considering I was there for 5 months. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About $50 a week on lunches, and maybe another $50 on things to do during the weekend. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Homestays are cheaper. Also--get a bike for cheap transportation! |
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? | Nothing, really |
