I left New Zealand more independent, more confident and with the greatest friends. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

At my home university I am a pretty big book warm and I also tend to have very overloaded schedules. At Auckland University I was only taking four classes and they three of them were at the first year level. Therefore my classes were not very difficult however I did find the grading system to be more difficult then my home university. The work load was very manageable and I was still able to receive a B+ in all of my classes even though I spent almost every single weekend traveling. I would not have been able to get those grades in America with out working every weekend but then again I was only taking easy level courses. I enjoyed having more than one lecturer for each course in New Zealand because it made the classes more exciting.

On-site administration of your program

Orientation was a great way to make friends and the program size was small enough to connect to people with out feeling too intimidated. There were students from the program at universities all over New Zealand, it was great being able to have a place to crash when we traveled. The leaders were incredible knowledgeable about everything from social life in New Zealand to New Zealand academics to American higher education. They were incredible helpful before I left America but once I was settled in I did not need support or services from my program.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing arrangement was the best part pf my entire experience. I loved living with people from all over the world. All items were provided for me, sheets, cookware, tv and internet. The one complaint I could think of is that it was a far walk to nightlife. We had plenty of parties in our flats to make up for not going out but because of housing rules and noise complaints the parties had to end early. It was also twenty minute walk from university was annoying when it rained.

We had to buy our own food which I was happy about because I enjoy cooking and it made me feel more independent. I never went out to eat because it was too pricey but I loved the weekend farmer markets and i did most of my food shopping in the Asian markets.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The presemester trip to Fiji and the orientation in New Zealand was great. We had an option to do a spring break trip however by then I had made plenty of friends who I chose to travel on my own with.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

New Zealand is an incredibly safe city and I never felt unsafe.

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

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• Americans
• International Students
• Local Students