New Zealand: Do everything you can, don't leave with regrets! Past Review
By Rachel R (Dietetics, Indiana State University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Auckland, New Zealand
NZ is one of the most amazing places I have ever been to. Everything about NZ made the experience and trip so memorable. The people could not have been nicer. It is hard for me to believe in strangers just naturally being nice, being from Chicago. But in NZ they truly are.
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academic system in NZ is much different than in the States. For example, the US has many general education courses and it is recommended that we take them abroad if we go. However, NZ does not have general education courses. All the courses are specific to a major. Because of this, some classes are hard to match up and can be more difficult for students from the States. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
WSA apartments for students who chose AustraLearn as their program, were mostly put with each other. At least 2 AustraLearn students per apartment. I didn't study abroad to meet more students from the States so I feel that it would have been better to have all local or international students from other countries. |
| * Food: |
At AUT, there are not dorms or cafeterias like that. But you do have a full kitchen so you just have to make food yourself. Otherwise, there are many eating places in Auckland to explore. If you are missing home, there's a Subway right next to the apartments. LEarn |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Going to Tamakaki village, white water rafting, Auckland Zoo, and learning the haka and poi dance. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in Auckland. However, while at WSA there were many apartments that had food and/or silverware stolen. People walked right in and just took things if your front door wasn't locked. While we weren't home, the door was locked. However some people were in their rooms while things were being taken and simply thought their roommate had come back. I think that needs to be addressed in WSA and I hope future students don't have future issues with it. Otherwise, I felt very safe. |
| 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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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | NZ is the adventure capital of the world. Yes, if you are not interested in many adventures then NZ will be cheaper for you than for others who are. However, you only live once and I don't know what the point of going to NZ is if you aren't willing to jump off something :) |
