Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience of a lifetime! Past Review

By (Rollins College) - abroad from 06/24/2015 to 11/13/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to cook for myself, how to travel on a budget, how to go with the flow, how to be independent. Yes, absolutely it was worthwhile.

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.

Academic rigor was difficult, but not over the top. Relative to American universities, Dunedin had more papers to write, but less tests. I felt challenged by the courses I took! All of my teachers were fantastic.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were great! Always helpful in answering questions, and were always looking out for us.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was fantastic to have my own room and queen bed! My flat mates were all amazing as well. Our building was older, but everything still worked like a charm. I got my mattress replaced by talking with the University Staff, who were very friendly.

* Food:

The University has some campus dining which is kind of typical cafeteria food, but still yummy! I mostly cooked at home, so I didn't worry about it too much.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was a wonderful experience, especially with the Maori Society class to help understand a little more about Maori culture. There were always lots of opportunities to interact with other students from New Zealand through clubs and activities!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I really didn't get sick or had to refill prescriptions, but if something was to happen, it was easily accessible and medicines prescribed were cheaper than they are in the States. I did not need any vaccines for traveling to New Zealand.

* Safety:

I always felt very safe in Otago. People in New Zealand are very nice and willing to help out if you needed it. After the Paris attacks, there was a bomb threat, but nothing came of it. During this situation, I just stayed home.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The small town feel of Otago was perfect and the university was very comfortable. I loved the people and the teachers. Traveling was amazing and I can't wait to go back!

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)

The only expenses were food and travel. If well budgeted, it really wasn't too bad!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~ $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget and stick to it! The university also gives out oatmeal and pasta and basic foods for free and they also have free oatmeal breakfasts almost every day.

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?
  • Supportive
  • Informative
  • They have great staff members in New Zealand who were willing to help with anything at anytime.
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
  • N/A
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How I could jump in headfirst to traveling!

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

New Zealand Politics
Course Department:
Instructor: Brian Roper
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was challenging because he moves at a quick pace, but all of his topics were very interesting. His whole mantra of teaching is allowing for a different perspective of the world!
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Maori Society
Course Department: School of Maori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies
Instructor: Erica Newman
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Not particularly challenging, but I learned so much from this class. It was really interesting to learn about the Maori way of living and it allowed me to relate how the Native Americans of North America were treated. Very interesting class!
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Marine Invertebrates
Course Department: Marine Science
Instructor: Miles Lamar
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was very challenging! There were lots of species to memorize and the lab practical at the end of the year was difficult. However, I enjoyed Miles and all the labs. There were a couple of field trips on the University's boat which were enjoyable as well. Because it was a bigger class size, I did not participate as much as I would have at my home institution.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Conversational Maori
Course Department: School of Maori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies
Instructor: Craig Hall
Instruction Language: English/Maori
Comments: It was very challenging to learn a new language. He really did try to get everyone to participate and was always very amiable. All of the tests were conversational pieces we either had to memorize or video. It was interesting class!
Credit Transfer Issues: No.