Study Abroad New Zealand: "Shaked" Up to be the Best Semester Ever Past Review
By Gus B (Economics, Purdue University) for
IES Abroad: Auckland Direct Enrollment - University Of Auckland
Study abroad helped me learn more about myself and the world in 5 months than I had in 20 years. I am more aware of cultural sensitivities and mores as well as what I am capable of doing on my own since studying abroad.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload in New Zealand was slightly less than at Purdue and the grading system more lenient, but with the added distractions of study abroad my grade ended up to be roughly the same there as they have been at home. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
IES helped my group and me deal with a major natural disaster. We were in Christchurch for a massive and destructive earthquake, and IES handled the situation beautifully. They transfered us to Auckland free of cost and helped us squeeze back into the groove of things seamlessly. The local advisors were a huge help. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I opted for a living situation in which I managed my own food. New Zealand is a very western country, and there was no stretch to finding "comfortable" food for a reasonable price. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Kiwis have got to be the kindest people in the world. They like Americans and are ready to meet you and become friends. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt a threat anywhere in New Zealand. |
| 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) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Do it! My semester in New Zealand was the best semester of my entire college experience. I loved every minute of it and wish I was still there. |
