The Best Experience of My Young Life Past Review
By Bethany M (Kinesiology, University of Rhode Island) for
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Auckland - University of Auckland
I experienced so much culture while I was abroad in NZ. I learned about the Maori and took a class about it at the University. The experiences I had while away broadened my perspectives about different countries and cultures because I met people from all over the world. It intrigued me to travel more in the future after I graduate and possiblly attend graduate school in another country. Studying abroad was the best decision I have made in my life thus far.
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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 teaching methods were fairly the same; however, the grading system was very different which challenged many of us students. Getting and "A" was difficult while in New Zealand and exams were weighted heavily which I did not like. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I felt very welcomed when I went to NZ. The staff was extremely friendly and willing to help and accommodate us in any way we needed. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in Wellesley Apartments and it was fairly decent. The apartments were close to the city so going out was easy. The director and security were very strict which was good because I felt safe but it made it difficult to have gatherings or guests spend the night. I was also hoping to live with locals and international students but I lived with all Americans. It turned out to be great though because I became very close with all of them and remain close with them now. I had to buy many items to settle-in including sheets, blankets, and other miscellaneous supplies. |
| * Food: |
We had our own kitchen so we could buy groceries at our own expense and convenience which I liked a lot. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Education Abroad Network included a free pre-trip to Fiji and it was incredible. It was a very cultural experience and we became close with the villagers and locals. The trip allowed us students to bond with one another which helped for when we arrived to NZ because once orientation began, we already knew one another well. Fiji was beautiful and impacted my study abroad experience immensely. I made so many best friends and the islands were gorgeous and full of fun activities to do. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Auckland was a safe city and the apartment complex was also. I was very sick when I arrived to Auckland and the healthcare was easily accessible. Because the university was not open yet, I had to go to a general physician and I was charged for the medicine but saved my receipts and was able to get a refund when I returned home. I did not need any vaccines specifically for this program. |
| 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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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live 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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