New Zealand: Unforgettably Amazing Adventures Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Workload was extremely light compared to Wellesley. Most grades were 50% final exam and 50% two small projects such as a paper, multiple choice test, or presentation. The grading scale makes it much easier to get an A or a B in a class (A's are 80% or higher, B's are 65-80%). The teaching style in my humanities papers was entirely lecture based. The only discussion was during the tutorials (about 6 tutorials per paper throughout the semester). The professors are much more "hands off" but I still found them very willing to help me if I just emailed them and asked questions. The academics really are what you make of them. You will learn heaps more if you do the many required and recommended readings; however, reading all of these isn't necessary for passing the paper. I chose to focus on life experiences rather than academics while in NZ and while that hampered my academic experience, I felt it was the right choice for me and made for a better study abroad overall.

On-site administration of your program

Our Student Services Coordinator set up some excellent dinners and programs for us once we were in Dunedin. He put together a really fun overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound in Fiordland. He was also available once a week during his office hours for us to come talk to him.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Flat at 46 Queen St. 3 floor townhouse in a complex with 5 university flats. 6 people total, 4 Americans, 2 kiwihosts. Vegetarian flat. 2 bedrooms per floor, 1 full bath on ground level, shower on 2nd floor, toilet on 3rd floor. My flat had double paned windows which made it slightly warmer than other flats, but be aware that the lack of insulation in Otago flats can make them quite cold. Always felt extremely safe. Up a big hill so nice exercise and view. 10 minute walk from center of campus and center of town. Kitchen was fully equipped. Had to buy my own bedding but there was an option of renting bedding for $100 from the uniflats office.

I lived in a vegetarian flat. We decided to shop for food as a flat which worked out well. There were six of us in the flat and everyone cooked one meal per week and on Sunday we would fend for ourselves. We were each responsible for making our own breakfast and lunch. The local Hare Krishna group puts on a $3 lunch Mon-Thurs at OUSA Clubs and Socs and their food is so delicious and filling!!! The only other place I ate out at often was Velvet Burger. They make the second most delicious gourmet burgers in NZ. The best are at Fergburger in Queenstown! NZ is very vegetarian friendly.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The social/cultural experiences were what made this such an amazing experience. Everyone is super friendly. I joined the university's kayak club which was mainly kiwis. It was a smaller club so you got to know more people and hang out with them outside of kayak trips. Also fun: All Blacks rugby game, nights out on the town, dance classes, Capping Show (annual comedy show), various trips around the country, etc. Be aware that there is a huge drinking culture in NZ, particularly at Otago. During orientation we spent a night on a Marae which was an amazing opportunity to experience the Maori culture.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Pretty safe city, just use common sense. There can be a lot of drunk people out at night Wed-Sat so walk in a group. Overall, I never really felt like I was in danger. Health services is fine. Costs $50 to see a doctor. No additional vaccines were needed.

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

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• Other

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• Local Students
• Americans

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• Americans