Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Wish I Could Do it Over! Past Review

By (Public Health., College of Charleston) - abroad from 06/23/2014 to 11/19/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I feel like since being abroad I grew as a person and felt able to take on anything that came my way. It was completely worthwhile as I had some of the most crazy adventurous experiences ever in my life (Bungy jumping, white water rafting, swimming with manta rays). Looking back it was the most incredible experience I have had in not just my college years but my life. I am so thankful for this opportunity. I could not ask for a better program and a better experience.

Review Photos

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

I was very impressed with all of my classes at University of Auckland. The classes were challenging in a good way. I gained a new outlook on many of my courses such as environmental studies, that I may not have gotten back in the States. I was unsure of how a large-size campus would work for me but found the system of large lectures along with small tutorial groups to be very beneficial and allowed me to get to know other classmates.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The international study abroad office was easily accessible helped with any assistance I needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Carlaw Park Student Village and it was a great living environment. It is brand new and was very spacious. It allowed me to find the perfect balance of friends between local kiwis and exchange student looking for adventure.

* Food:

The food in New Zealand is amazing. Everything tastes so fresh. If you study abroad in Auckland, Divino's and Giapo's are a must do!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made so many kiwi friends, I miss them and cannot wait until I can see them again! Tean did a great job especially during orientation to introduce us to the local Maori culture and history. We took a walk through a rainforest with two Maori women and stopped along the way to learn about their history, respect for wildlife, and music!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt safe around Auckland as well as in my apartment

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

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make some sort of a budgeting plan beforehand

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Help was given to me on everything I needed
  • Tean organized trips for everyone at the same university that allowed us to gain cultural experiences we otherwise would not i.e.. all blacks game
  • Tean orientation in Fiji
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The only thing I can say is make sure you have a good camera and a journal because you are going to want to remember it all.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.