An experience of the past that will remain a wholesome, bittersweet memory. Past Review
By Nick W (Environmental Studies., Stonehill College) - abroad from 02/07/2013 to 06/20/2013 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Dunedin - University of Otago
This was the first time I had left my home country, USA. My entire experience abroad was never what I expected it to be. I learned so much through meeting the Kiwis, other international students and various professors. I did gain valuable knowledge and experience from the classes I took. But, what I learned whenever I stepped out of my comfort zone was something far more priceless. I began to learn more about myself and what I am capable of, in terms of trying different things and listening to what new friends have to say. I worked very hard prior to going abroad in order to support myself in New Zealand. Every beautiful moment in New Zealand made all the work and time dedicated to applying so worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My professors were clearly experts in their field. I took a geology class, a surveying class and a Maori Societies class. The information from these classes proved to be very meaningful knowledge for me and my major discipline, Environmental Studies. Classes are structured differently from American universities which took a short while to adjust to. I felt challenged by all coursework and am very satisfied with the hard work I put in to each class. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
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| 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) |
I was supporting myself while abroad with little financial aid from home. I was not used to paying for all of my own food but I soon adjusted to this new lifestyle. Dunedin caters to student life so common goods are made more financially accessible within the city. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A lot of preparation that I did prior to my semester was settled by my program. For example, the program did an incredible job organizing transportation from LAX to orientation to my host university, Otago in the south island. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
