Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

New Zealand is fantasic, University of Auckland not so much. Past Review

By (Neurobiology and Neurosciences., Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/12/2014 to 07/01/2014 with

ISA Study Abroad in Auckland, New Zealand

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to navigate unfamiliar bureaucracies independently, how to budget for travel, and how to share in other people's unique cultures.

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.

I definitely recommend everyone go abroad. New Zealand is a beautiful place. However, The University of Auckland does not have good resources for LGBT students facing discrimination, particularly if they happen to be science students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Globalinks was wonderful, but they have merged with IFC-Butler so I don't know how they will be for the future.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I ended up with awesome roommates in a beautiful single in a townhouse dormitory, but the University initially put me in a single gender townhouse even though I specifically requested they not for good reason. I had to move to the townhouse next door after living there for a week

* Food:

New Zealand food is great! All of it is fresh, close to organic, and grass-fed. New Zealand cuisine is fairly British however, with some interesting Maori influences.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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? No

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The connections I made while there
  • The first week of the program
  • The ability to travel while i was there
* What could be improved?
  • Not enough support for GLBT students
  • Globalinks program staff were often busy and there were some staff changes while I was there, which made it confusing who to contact
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had a better idea of the problems with the University of Auckland administration before I had gone.

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 Networker
An 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.