AMAZING time at AUT Past Review
By Danielle R (Genetics, University of San Diego) - abroad from 02/14/2013 to 06/29/2013 with
ISA Study Abroad in Auckland, New Zealand
Absolutely a worthwhile experience. I learned so much about the Kiwi culture and being in a different countries for a long period of time.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I did an internship combo during my study abroad and it was amazing! I learned so much about differing work environments and international communication. I also took math and biology courses at the University. The lab facilities were excellent and the quality of the professors was great. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Monique and Kenneth were my program admins on site, and they were absolutely amazing! They planned events for all of the international students and they made sure we were all comfortable and making good progress throughout the semester. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
WSA was loud, the elevators often broke down, the fire alarms went off twice accidentally during the semester (for longer than an hour) and the laundry facilities are lackluster. That being said, it was an amazing experience. I just took my laundry across the street (: the location was excellent - so centrally located and close to the campus. There was also so many activities only available to students living at WSA that just in free food made up for the negatives. |
| * Food: |
There's no dining plans on campus, there is however food on campus and a large number of restaurants surrounding the campus that are excellent. |
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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? |
There was healthcare provided and it was very easily accessible. You just went to any doctor, paid out of pocket and submitted a claim. |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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| 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? | Try to cook food yourself or with friends, food is quite expensive. |
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? | To spend money on experiences and not things. I bought a lot of useless stuff my first couple of weeks thinking I would need it, but its good to live simply while abroad and get to do more exciting things. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
