Breaking the Bubble- study abroad in New Zealand Past Review

By (ENGINEERING., Trinity University) for

IFSA: Auckland - University of Auckland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Self-dependence, strength, musical horizon expansion.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Strengths- The advisor was always there if you needed him, an was very knowledgeable on Aucklund as a whole. The activities were awesome, and the people were great! Weakness- very little.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living situation did not seem very worthy of praise. The staff was very unconcerned with your well being, and we were placed with only American abroad students. It gave very little opportunity to really meet people from NZ and elsewhere.

* Food:

I'm a great cook!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Outdoor weekend was awesome. Going up with my program to Ahipara and surfing was so amazing!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Your going to spend a lot of money. But it all comes out in the wash when you realize how much you saved from America. Make sure you bring all the essential things, and your own old cell phone. That helps a lot! Ideally a razor or some type of world phone.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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? Any student. The program provides many opportunities for learning and meeting new people.