Take me back! Past Review
By Laura Alvarado (Rollins College) - abroad from 06/24/2016 to 11/11/2016 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Dunedin - University of Otago
My abroad experience was 100% worthwhile. Not only did I gain life long friends and memories, but I grew as an individual. I learned things about myself I never would've thought possible.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Loved this program. It was different than my home university, it allowed me to explore a big school and different subject matter! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I loved how TEAN Abroad had supervisors in every city. If anything ever went wrong we had people there to help us along every step of the way. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had my own room in a flat near campus. What else could I want? |
| * Food: |
For the most part, everyone did their own grocery shopping and cooked on their own, but if we ever wanted to go out there were plenty of food options to choose from! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We had a kiwi host who introduced us to her friends, showed us local spots that we should go to, and was there if ever had any questions! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Otago had a student health care center and making an appointment was easy. Even the medicine I got was free! If something ever happens it's easy to solve. |
| * Safety: |
People walked around at night with absolutely no concerns over there well-being. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
TEAN went above and beyond to make sure that every student felt comfortable. We had an incredible orientation in the very beginning of the program that ensured that everyone felt comfortable and bonded with the people they would be seeing in the coming semester. Not only did it enhance my experience in the very beginning, but the events that were planned throughout the semester also helped answer any questions we might have had and provided a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of school life. |
Finances
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* 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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
Since Dunedin is a relatively small city, your experience is what you make it. If you wanted to go out and eat you could, or if you wanted to save money and make your own meals, that was possible too. I loved the flexibility to choose. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 150$ |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Get a job and save your money! You're going to want to enjoy your study abroad experience so start saving now! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I would've known to bring hiking gear. I found myself rushing to buy things to be prepared for my time in NZ. |
