Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life-Changing Past Review

By (Engineering Science, Trinity University) - abroad from 07/03/2014 to 11/18/2014 with

IFSA: Auckland - University of Auckland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and I saw some of the most incredible things that I will probably ever see in my life. I wish I could go back and do it all over again. I also want to travel to so many other countries now.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

All of the midterms and exams were difficult but the workload abroad was significantly less than the workload at my home institution.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

IFSA-Butler is amazing, and they completely prepared me for exactly what to expect during orientation.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The food was good. However, it was rather expensive compared to the US.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

There was not a single time where I feared for my safety while in New Zealand.

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)

I definitely spent significantly more money while I was abroad compared to what I spend in the US.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? at least $150 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan a budget and stick to it!!! Also, definitely overestimate how much you plan on spending because that is what you will probably actually end up spending. Don't forget to budget for traveling and weekend trips - especially if you plan on traveling to a nearby country - because those prices can add up.

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

  • Local Students
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Orientation was extremely informative and helpful.
  • The planned excursions and trips through the program were awesome.
  • I have made lifelong friends through the program.
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would've done more research about the country I went to and planned more trips ahead of time.