Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life changing, amazing, beautiful experience! Past Review

By (Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst) - abroad from 06/26/2013 to 11/08/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I changed so much as a person during my time in New Zealand, it's hard to put into words. Just learning how rewarding it is seeing new places and meeting different people, and that there's so much out there waiting to be seen and experienced I don't think I could go back to my life before and feel content! I learned so much about myself and what I want in my future and know this trip has opened so many doors for me to travel the world. Gained a lot of confidence in myself. Definitely worthwhile.

Review Photos

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Dunedin - University of Otago Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Dunedin - University of Otago Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Dunedin - University of Otago Photo 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? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? As hard as it is, only buy things you really need. It's so tempting to splurge and spend money on everything because you feel like you're on vacation but it's much better to spend your money on traveling around. I wasted too much of my money on trivial little things in Dunedin!

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

  • International Students
* 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?
  • Friendly approachable advisors
  • Group activities
  • Help with transition into New Zealand
* What could be improved?
  • nothing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be cautious, but don't be afraid of strangers! Especially in New Zealand. Coming from the US people are so wary of danger involving strangers, but you learn over time in New Zealand that Kiwis love travelers and do some pretty amazing things to help them out!

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.