A Great Adventure Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academics were fantastic. It was a bit different than my home university in that most of the grade is based off of the end of the semester final. As long as you continue to keep up with the course each week though this was not a problem. Furthermore, the professors taught in an interdisciplinary way which was incredibly interesting. Guest lecturers were brought in to talk about specifics in the field.

On-site administration of your program

What was really helpful about TEAN was that they got housing and bedding figured out for you so you did not have to worry about finding a place to stay or bedding.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Although I was originally hoping to stay with a host family in order to really get to know people who lived in the country, I think the housing that I was in was great as well. It gave more of the college experience than staying with a "mom and dad" may have. I really enjoyed the housing arrangements because each house has 5 or 6 people living in it. These people can become your best friends. Furthermore, the houses in Dunedin are all located close to each other so it is extremely easy to meet 50 students who are studying abroad because you are all neighbors. Furthermore, another great aspect was that each house had a kiwi host who helped you initially get to know the area of Dunedin and even how the university there worked.

I did all of my own cooking. Since you are staying in a house, you no longer have anyone else cooking for you. This was a fun learning experience. I loved that the food was so fresh and there is a farmers market a five minute walk away from campus each Saturday, which I loved. The local vendors are so welcoming and friendly. Make sure to try the meat pies! This was something I didn't try until the end of my stay and I regret it because they are so amazing there! (You also can't go wrong with the fresh fish or venison)

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did feel integrated with the culture. I took a Maori class which really helped me to have a better understanding of the Maori culture. I wish I could have met a few more local New Zealanders though, as most of the people that I was able to meet and become friends with were from mainly the United States.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had to use the health care system.

I never felt unsafe, no matter the time of day or night. People even feel safe enough to hitchhike (although I would recommend doing this with a friend if you are going to do this).

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

The New Zealand dollar is a bit stronger than the US dollar and the prices in general seemed to be a bit more expensive.

Select all that apply

• Other

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Having friends before school started because of the amazing Auckland and Fiji adventures
• Tips about what to bring and the many people who had already traveled to Dunedin and were happy to share tips about the experience
• Having housing figured out. Uniflats matched people up nicely.

• Having students review what classes they took for future students to get a better understanding of which classes might be a good fit for them
• Having a transportation option for getting to the airport when leaving New Zealane
• More TEAN adventures planned for the group around Dunedin to better stay in contact with each other

The Avid Adventurer