Remember that one time in New Zealand? Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The good thing about signing up through TEAN is that one of the international advisors also doubled as a residential advisor. This made it easy to switch papers if necessary and also find support. Overall, the course load is not difficult to manage as long as you schedule time for everything. Since the grading scale was different from my home university's, it seemed easier to achieve at AUT. However, the courses were graded harder than I thought, which made me take the papers seriously. The overall grade is usually split into three percentages or two percentages, making it easy to fail and easy to pass. So, it was just a matter of doing well on all assignments. I thought it was a fair way of grading because it motivates students to keep up with their coursework. Scheduling time for work was sometimes difficult because there are so many other things I would have rather been doing in a new country. Nonetheless, the professors steer us in the right direction to succeed. In terms of teaching styles, it will vary with professors. Some are more responsive than others. As for course selections, all the papers I took were enjoyable. I got something out of every paper, but the ones I like the most are my photography and cultural leadership class. Both of them were unconventional class settings. This made it more enjoyable to learn the material and also learn by doing.

On-site administration of your program

The Education Abroad Network set up a strong foundation for my study abroad experience. Everything the advisers prepared me for helped me find resources and enjoy studying in New Zealand. Before arriving in New Zealand, TEAN reached out to me and made sure all of my paperwork was in order. They were very responsive to all the questions I had and answered them with enthusiasm and timeliness. When I arrived in Auckland, they held an orientation, which had important information pertinent to Kiwi culture. During the semester, they hosted several cultural events and stayed in contact with me regarding local events and just general check ins. One of the most impressive things about TEAN's residential advisors and program administrators is how they show sincerity and compassion for their students. It seems like they really do want students to have the best program experience possible and it shows.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very satisfied with my living arrangements because of how TEAN organized everything. TEAN took care of making the living arrangements and even ordered a linen pack for our accommodations. A residential advisor escorted us to our residences and

There is no meal plan is place with the university, but markets and places to eat are better alternatives. There are also plenty of farmer's markets every weekend for people to peruse for local goods.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The best way to feel integrated with the local culture is to engage in local events and participate in a Māori cultural experience. Before starting my semester at AUT University, TEAN took us to a Māori experience on Waiheke Island. I felt like this was the best way to get to know New Zealand. We stayed overnight at a marae and learned about Māori traditions. During our stay on the island we also took a tour and went wine tasting. The introduction to all of these new experiences were helpful in acclimating myself to Auckland and New Zealand life. Overall, I felt very integrated with the local culture and remained respectful of their traditions.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health problems while studying abroad. However, I knew I was fully insured because the university provides insurance to buy and I was also required to have insurance through my home university.

They say that it's safer to bungee jump off the Auckland Bridge than cross the streets of Auckland. With that said, Auckland is still a very safe city. Once I got the hang of crossing the streets, I felt very comfortable walking around. There are very low crime rates and I did not feel threatened by anyone at all. Kiwis are generally kind people and TEAN reassured me at the very beginning. My residential advisors were also a testament to Kiwi hospitality.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It was quite easy to live on a student's budget because food was similarly priced to food back home. I made trips to the market every two weeks, which was enough food to last me.

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