Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A beautiful place to call home, take me back! Past Review

By (Public Health., University of Massachusetts Amherst) - abroad from 02/07/2013 to 07/01/2013 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Dunedin - University of Otago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was able to realize that I could be independent and make a life for myself somewhere else than Massachusetts, where I have been raised and go to university. I am a “Type A” personality and being abroad, especially in New Zealand, taught me to live a little more spontaneously and be ok with having a Plan B or C, and enjoying whatever it is that is in front of you. Studying abroad, although it may have set me back for my plans to go to graduate school to be a physician assistant, was 100% worth the time, money, and effort. I recommend it for EVERYONE, no matter what type of person, because no matter what your experience is, you will benefit from it.

Review Photos

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Dunedin - University of Otago Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Dunedin - University of Otago Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I enjoyed my classes, and the campus was full of resources for students. There were several libraries and information was easily accessible, as was help to retrieve it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

TEAN staff were available for any problems that we might have had, and made a point to stay in touch throughout the semester.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a flat with four other students, in a complex of about 30 students. I liked living in a complex because it felt more like a community. I enjoyed all of my flatmates and I enjoyed getting to know all of them. I lived with one Kiwi, two Americans, and one Swiss student.

* Food:

I lived in a self-catered flat so I provided myself with food. Grocery stores/vegetable stands were within easy walking distance of my flat and I found myself cooking more than I ever have which was great! I cooked several meals a week with two of my flatmates which was helpful too, and less expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved living in Dunedin, it is a very easy city to walk around and feel comfortable in. I lived amongst Kiwis in my complex which was great, I really enjoyed getting to know them and was able to visit my flatmate's family in Wellington one weekend and it was great. I felt very at home in Dunedin, and in the country of New Zealand by the end of my 5 month stay.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to visit the dentist during my stay and was taken care of at the university dentist clinic.

* Safety:

Dunedin, and New Zealand as a whole felt very safe to me. The most dangerous situations you are put in are driving on the roads if the conditions are poor, and any type of extreme activity you may be inclined to do while you are there! For the most part I felt very comfortable everywhere I went.

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)

Money was tight while I was abroad, however I made it work and was able to budget my money so that I was able to do the things that mattered most to me.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $130
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't go crazy in the first month! Absolutely have fun and be social, but keep in mind how many awesome things there are to do in New Zealand and try to keep a loose budget so you do not miss out on something that is important to you.

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
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Orientation
  • Network of students that I now know
  • size of the program
* What could be improved?
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  • .
  • .
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? .

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 Adventurer
The 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.