Auckland: A dream you can easily make come true Past Review

By (Psychology, Saint Anselm College) - abroad from 06/24/2016 to 11/16/2016 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Auckland - AUT University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself being on my own in a beautiful country. I gained a worldly perspective - how others live and what they think about the world. It was such a fulfilling experience that I walked away with so much more than just photos. I met some incredible people that have changed my life. I wouldn't have ever thought I would be so changed by a few months away from home.

Review Photos

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Auckland - AUT University Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Auckland - AUT University Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Auckland - AUT University Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The TEAN team in Auckalnd was outstanding. Not only were they always checking in on us to see how we were doing, but they regularly sent us information about events or things to do that month. They often got us involved in the city, and were a constant resource for whatever we may have needed. If you're worried about homesickness, TEAN has got you covered.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was great. I lived with four others from all around the world (China, Japan, Brazil and California), so I didn't have to do too much searching for cultural immersion. The rooms were new and clean, the living area was large and comfortable, and cooking was never an issue. Their common areas were also awesome, with a ping pong and pool table right downstairs. A full kitchen made baking (very regularly) easy and social.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

One of my favorite parts about living at the student apartments was that we had the Maori students living right there with us. They LOVED their culture and had no problem sharing - often in the form of music and powerful song. Also, the WSA apartments were full of other languages and people. I think many people do not get that cultural diversity as regularly as I did at WSA. It was quite the experience, and something I feel so fortunate to have been able to experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt extremely safe, in fact it was almost in inconveniently safe at times. Just to enter your own bedroom one would have to scan their ID through the front gates, front door, the elevator, your apartment AND your bedroom. Aside from the apartments safety, Auckland City's danger was never a concern of mine. People are very nice, nonthreatening and kind - it was refreshing.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Absolutely, I was never dissatisfied in any way.The whole staff - those helping my fill out all the paper work, those who lead orientation, those who we saw regularly within Auckland - were all amazing and generous. TEAN definitely had many perks that other programs skipped out on. They always made sure we were happy!

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)

I didn't find it too difficult to manage my money and expenses. Traveling was very cheap with a number of people to split up the cost. I enjoyed the responsibility, especially knowing if I saved some money here it would (literally) pay off later over there.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 60-75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Food can add up quickly, and its important to note not all things are the same price as home - don't spend $14 on a bag of walnuts like I did. The first weeks you'll spend a lot of money on practical things (soap, toothpaste, toiletries and fully stocking your kitchen) so don't get nervous if you rack up a big bill quickly, it'll normalize. Lastly, I would try to shoot for $40 on groceries each week. If I spent too much on ice cream or something I knew it was eating into my groceries for the week.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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 staff
  • Orientation
  • Their concern for our well-being
* What could be improved?
  • Including an end-of-semester gathering with the entire group.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know how to budget money much better. For many people, it is the first time they're completely financially independent, so it would have been nice to have some sort of guidance or counseling beforehand.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Te Ara Pou

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English/ Maori
Comments: I haven't learned so much about myself and others than in any other class. The Lecturers were impressive with a great knowledge of people, and individual stories and life experiences to help support their teaching. We learned to profile people and their personalities in order to be an effective leader. Also, we learned about many of the most famous leaders in the Maori culture, as they all had very unique personalities that allowed them to uplift the Maori people. Truly, taking this paper allowed me to live a happier, with my head held higher, and to lead my life with a much more contemplative attitude.
Credit Transfer Issues: