A Year in New Zealand: A Land without Time Past Review
By Emma S (Ecology/Evolutionary Biology, University of California - Merced) for
Lincoln University: New Zealand - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Stepping completely outside of the culture you grew up in is the most amazing experience I have ever had, and I would not hesitate to do it again.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I took a series of more advanced classes, which turned out to be a considerably heavier workload than I expected. The most significant difference I saw was the larger emphasis on exams and the lower percentages needed for a pass (only a 50% was needed for a C-). |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our liaison and the on-campus international affairs office were both very helpful and very accessible. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing application process for a dorm was very simple and worry-free, and if it wasn't the cheapest option it was definitely the most convenient. The accommodations office provides towels, bedding, cooking utensils and dishes/cutlery for semi-catered and catered kitchens. The buildings might not be the most attractive ever built, but they're perfectly comfortable and the student life on campus was relatively lively. There is literally no nightlife in Lincoln (and very little in Christchurch anymore), so housing location makes almost no difference. |
| * Food: |
The grocery store in town was always well-stocked, and I did most of my own cooking. The dining hall food was edible, if a little gross at times and I would not recommend paying for it. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I attended TEDxEQChch in May, which discussed the rebuilding of Christchurch after the big February earthquake and which was an incredible opportunity. I think the other most memorable trip was the roadtrip of the South Island sponsored by the university after the earthquake. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Christchurch is still a bit shaky, but Lincoln itself is perfectly safe. They have taken every precaution to keep the campus stable and intact, and our EAP liaison makes sure to stay informed of the situation and keep track of the students after all major aftershocks. |
| 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? | I spent roughly $75 per week on food and toiletries, most of which was purchased at local farmer's markets (specifically the Riccarton farmer's market). |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Internet is EXTREMELY expensive, so don't expect free wifi at coffee shops or libraries. The same goes for books, movies (which are a different format anyway), magazines, CDs and electronics - expect to pay considerably more than you would in the States. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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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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? | If you're looking at anything to do with land - landscape architecture, agriculture, animal sciences, ecology, sustainability - this IS the program for you. |
