Adventure Is Only A Walk Away Past Review
By Molly Bogin (Wesleyan University) - abroad from 07/02/2016 to 11/13/2016 with
IFSA: Dunedin - University of Otago
I gained more outdoor/hiking skills and a greater love for the outdoors. I also learned the importance of independence while in a new place. Sometimes, you have to learn how to be alone somewhere new, before you can learn to feel comfortable around others. It was most definitely worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The place itself was incredible. I've never been surrounded by as much natural beauty. I was able to take high-level courses in my major (Neuroscience & Behavior) without having to give up weekend adventures (hiking/camping trips). I would love to go back, someday. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I loved the administrators of my program. They were all wonderful, kind, helpful people. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The house was spacious and well-equipped, but extremely dark and somewhat far from campus. |
| * Food: |
I'm a harsh critic when it comes to food, and while I enjoyed the food I cooked, I wasn't impressed by the overall quality of food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The program posed some difficulties for me abroad, but I grew as a person through it all. I don't know that I'll ever make it back to New Zealand, and I would never want to give up the experiences and adventures I had there. |
Finances
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* 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) |
It was pretty expensive, because there is very little public transportation. Along with paying for meals, I spent a lot of money on gas/car expenses each week, in order to go on trips/hikes. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | ~150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't bother spending money on eating out at restaurants or alcohol. The food/drinks are more expensive than they're worth. Save your money for trips/adventures that you'll never be able to do again. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The drinking/party scene is a big part of the social atmosphere on campus. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
