Challenge New Zealand: KIWIS LOVE ADVENTURE! Past Review
By Jordan S (Undecided, University of North Dakota) for
ISA Study Abroad in Dunedin, New Zealand
I gained experience in leadership that was invaluable. I gained an understanding of how to continually challenge myself and solidified my values by putting things such as courage to the test. Most of all, try new things and don't knock something until you try it. You never know what great thing's you're capable of, so don't count yourself out.
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 workload was more physical and emotional than it was academically based. You had to mentally and physically push yourself due to being out in the field. It did have some classroom based learning which the grading and teaching methods were similar to the American style if not the same. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Shortness of program and high expense were obvious weaknesses. However, the knowledge about the host country was expertly demonstrated by our instructor Gavin. Also, the teaching aspect went very well and smooth with our other instructor Craig. Together, they make a good balance for the program and my expectations were exceeded by what I took away from this program. The strengths were the on the "field" experience and learning to work together as a team, as well as sacrifice. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Burger Fuel was amazing as well as Nando's. Hope you like fish! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Bungee Jumping, Cliff Hanger, Agroventures, Luge, and summiting two volcanoes were the absolute highlights of this adventure! Cultural events had to do with the Maori new year I believe? It was interesting as well as the Haka World Excursion. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
SAFETY WAS GOOD. DONT WORRY ABOUT IT, INSTRUCTORS TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING HEALTH RELEVANT. |
| 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? | Do it. You'll absolutely love it as it is nothing you'll expect and everything you'll love. The program allows for enough free time to go do your own activities, such as a LOTR tour, but also keeps you very interactive everyday with a busy schedule. If you want to excel in any field of study, this course will help you do that with teaching you invaluable life lessons and skills in leadership. |
