Trails and Tim Tams Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The University of Otago had a very different academic structure than my home school's, but that was one of the reasons I chose it. Instead of weekly assignments, many of my classes featured 1-3 large assignments that counted for the majority of your grade. The classes themselves (referred to as Papers) were challenging, interesting, and engaging. My personal favorite was one paper in which we were taught traditional Maori songs in the dark and their corresponding dances. At the end of the semester we even put on a concert for the local community!

On-site administration of your program

While I did not face many issues abroad, there are always people available to handle issues big or small. Prior to my semester abroad, I had never left the country so I definitely relied on TEAN to help navigate through the different questions I had. From the beginning of the process through the end, it was a relief to both me and my parents how easy it was to get in touch with a TEAN representative to handle any issue that arose. Pre-planned meet ups, orientation, and optional excursions meant that there was always something to look forward too while still leaving us with enough time to explore New Zealand on our own.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my flat! TEAN did a great job putting us up in well-maintained and centrally located housing. I was placed in a Uni Flat with a Kiwi host and 3 other roommates. We all had our own rooms and were about a 3min walk from campus. The only negative of the flats were that they could get pretty cold-but this can be solved by strategically placed space heaters, layers, and my personal choice-heated blankets.

My flat cooked our own food during my semester abroad. We created a rotating weekly schedule so that each night a different person would cook dinner for the entire flat. I personally loved this since my cooking skills were nothing to brag about but my flatmates cooking skills were amazing! Thanks to them I learned how to cook everything from fish to homemade soups and pizzas. And for those nights that you really can't be bothered cooking there are plenty of nearby places to eat. Personal favorites: Capers Cafe (2 for 1 pancakes) and the Alley Cantina (You HAVE to try this place--be sure not to walk by it though as it is tucked away in an alley near the Octagon.)

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was lucky enough to take classes with a wide variety of Americans, Kiwis, Maori, and other international students. Because of the papers I chose to take, I did feel integrated with the local culture through making local friends and learning more about New Zealand life. Having a Kiwi host was also a great way to integrate into the community as she not only became one of my best friends, but also was able to show me around and give me insider opinions on what was popular, places to go, things to try, etc. I also tried out for and made one of the Unipol basketball teams which allowed me to meet and make some great local friends! If you are willing to put yourself out there you will have no trouble meeting locals and feeling a part of the local community and there are plenty of opportunities provided through TEAN and the University to make you feel more at home.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

As a natural klutz exploring one of the most active and thrill-seeking countries, I was bound to have a few interactions with Student Health. From a broken finger to a weird flu, Health Services was easy to navigate (just call for an appointment) and simple to seek treatment at (I was covered as an international student).

I always felt safe in Dunedin but then again, I never put myself in unsafe situations. I typically walked around with friends if I was out late at night and never had any issues.

If I could give TEAN any more stars I would. From the very beginging of my application process they were nothing but helpful and patient. Once I actually landed in New Zealand, I immediately felt that someone had my best interests in mind. TEAN gives you enough space to explore on your own and experience your country the way you want to while still providing structured activities to help further integrate you into the local community in fun ways (comedy shows, dinner, coffee-catch ups, etc.) Even more, they helped so much with providing information to my parents, who were very anxious for me to be travelling to the otherside of the world.

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

1) New Zealand is not cheap. 2)I was on a serious budget abroad. Having never managed my own finances before, it took me a few weeks to figure out how to juggle food, school, activities, and travel expenses but once I figured out how to budget better it was not too difficult to stay within my personal budget.

Select all that apply

• Dorm

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• Local Students
• Americans

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Pre-Semester Excursion
• TEAN catch-ups
• My program leader, On Lee

• Honestly couldn't think of anything

The Avid Adventurer