New Zealand Was The Best Six Months...Ever Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Compared to the New School the workload was much lighter, but I was also taking 1st and 2nd year courses. Even so, if I were to go back to Uni Auckland for another semester I would definitely take 3rd year courses, or more likely grad courses. I also had never attended a lecture style university but it really didn't need any getting used to (except for the fact that attendance wasn't mandatory).

On-site administration of your program

People at TEAN were always available to answer any questions or concerns about literally anything before the trip and while I was there. Also, while I was not directly affected by the Christchurch earthquake they took amazing care of the students who were on the South Island immediately and got them situated at new universities right away. The small size of the New Zealand program also meant that everyone in the program became very close during the orientation and we even made our own meet-ups throughout the semester to see the people that lived in different cities.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Deciding to live in Parnell Student Village was probably the best thing I did during the whole study abroad experience. While the flats (they are like little cottages in rows) is about a 20 min walk to campus and 30 to downtown the walk through the park and past the museum is one of the things I miss the most. Plus, it got me in great shape! Also, the people there were so incredible that we really had no reason to ever leave. We had BBQs in the yard, lots of volleyball and tons of cookouts. And when we were lazy Parnell has more brunch spots than I could handle!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

TEAN arranged a lot of activities during orientation that acclimated us to New Zealand. We had one day with a Maori guide where we did cultural activities, played touch rugby on the beach and went to the museum. Then on another day we got more into the adventure side of New Zealand and went canyoning.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did have to go to the doctor once and just paid the bill upfront. TEAN told me to then talk to the International Office at my university where all I had to do was fill out one short form and attach the receipt. In a week or so I had a full refund check.

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

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• Dorm

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• International Students