Gaining Independence in a Beautiful Country Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

One of the reasons I picked the University of Otago was because of the large variety of courses they offer for every major. I was able to pick classes that applied to my majors and not getting into a class was not an issue. The class time was split weekly with a perfect balance of lectures, labs, and tutorials, and the work load was never extremely overwhelming. I took 4 classes, which is equivalent to 18 US credit hours, and I felt like it was a perfect load. The library provided a great amount of resources to use when writing papers as well and was also a great place to study. I know a few classes that a lot of international students take at the first-year level are very easy and not as rigorous as other classes, but it all depends on the course load you're looking for.

On-site administration of your program

The IFSA-Butler staff did a great job at providing tons of information and cultural experiences throughout my time abroad. They met us at the airport and already knew all of our names before we even officially met them. The orientation process at the YMCA Shakespear lodge was a great way to get over jet-lag and get to know the country and other international students before jumping right into school. The events they scheduled throughout the semester were amazing as well. The international student orientation and events planned by the University of Otago itself were also very helpful for me as an international student becoming familiar with the campus for the first time.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I couldn't have asked for a better living arrangement. I lived in a flat with 4 other international students and a Kiwi host, a student from New Zealand enrolled at the University. We shared a bathroom, which honestly never became an issue even though all 6 of us shared it, as well as a living room and kitchen area. We each had our own bedrooms, which were a really nice size with a full-sized bed. We lived in a flat complex with 4 other flats, and we all became super close very quickly. UniFlats does a great job at matching people up with other flatmates and their office was easily accessible to international students who had inquiries about anything. The locations of the flats were a quick 3-5 minute walk to campus, and about an 8-10 minute walk to the nearest grocery store.

Food was kind of pricey, but it is easy to find the cheapest groceries once you get used to everything at the store. In my flat we had flat dinners, where we all took turns cooking for everyone, which was pretty cost-efficient. Eating out all the time will cost a lot of money, so eating food in your flat is probably a better idea. Save eating out for special occasions.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated with the local culture, especially since Dunedin is such a small college town. The university does a great job at advertising events on campus as well as in the community that you can easily take part in if you want to. I always felt like I knew what was going on in the town.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was only really sick once, and I went to the health care center and they recommended what medicine I should buy. The health care center was easily accessible on campus, although I wouldn't recommend waiting until you are really sick before you go. As for vaccines, none are required for this program and there weren't any prevalent health issues there, besides the fact that during winter many people catch colds and it's really easy to pass around to your flatmates if you aren't careful.

Honestly I felt more safe in Dunedin than I've ever felt in America. I felt safe anywhere I traveled in New Zealand. With such a small population, there are fewer people everywhere, and the people I did encounter were always so nice and helpful. I did hear of some flats being broken into and things being stolen, but that was mainly because many students wouldn't lock the doors to their flat. Even though it's really easy to feel safe in Dunedin, it is still important to always lock the doors, especially at night.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I wouldn't spend much during the week, but when I would travel on the weekends, I would always spend a lot more.

Select all that apply

• Other

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Living in a flat complex
• Traveling around the country
• Being in a small college town

• Heating in the flats during winter
• Budgeting money better