New Zealand showed me how to lead a happy, unstressful academic life alongside a great social life Past Review

By (Engineering, Trinity University) for

IFSA: Auckland - University of Auckland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
yes.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Theoretical and lecture style teaching in large halls.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Strengths: well organized Weakness: On site advisor was a little inexperienced and unorganized. Non-responsive to emails.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Residence apartments were all filled with Americans instead of internationals and Kiwis. Unfriendly administration.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

lots of time to socialize and just soak in Kiwi style laid back life. lots of travel and relaxing. Freedom to choose how to spend five months.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The advisor in Auckland was not very knowledgeable about insurance claims and how it works.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? 250-300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to spend less on bars and alcoholic beverages so that you can save money for travel.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

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

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Open minded, adventurous, nature loving, likes hiking/trekking.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

systems and control

Course Department: electeng 303
Instructor: sung
Instruction Language: english
Comments: boring and theoretical
Credit Transfer Issues: No. Received a solid A+