Incredible World Experience! Past Review

By (Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology, Rollins College) - abroad from 02/08/2016 to 06/15/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It's hard to even put my experience into words. I gained so much exposure to the other side of the globe. Independence, international friends, different perspective of the U.S. Learned how to be a risk-taker in a safe way and push myself outside my comfort zone.

Review Photos

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? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Coming from a small campus of less than 2,500 undergrad and class sizes no more than 30, I thought transitioning to a big campus like University of Otago and auditorium style lectures would be difficult but they were not! The professors are animated and engaging making it easy to follow along.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Always helpful, sweet and organized.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Loved my flat. My flatmates and I were matched up extremely well. Be honest in your housing survey to get matched well! I miss Lovelock Ave and my flat!

* Food:

So fresh and delicious everywhere! Even bar food and fast food were of much higher quality with fresh an healthy ingredients.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Super integrated! Its hard not to get involved, there are so many opportunities of involvement through campus as well as the local social scene through music, shows, comedy and young people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got very sick in the beginning of the semester, I went to the campus clinic and figured out the TEAN included insurance and was able to receive medication and medical attention for free and in a very timely manner. Super helpful!

* Safety:

Always felt safe. The nightlife and party scene may be a bit more than we're used to in the States so be aware of that, but never an safety issues around campus, downtown or in flats.

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

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE NZ AND TEAN!!!! I feel homesick for NZ.

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)

Definitely very doable, depending on how much you want to travel or how much you go out to eat/drink. Food seems a bit more expensive than the States but nothing unmanageable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? maybe 30-50?
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Grocery shop and cook more than go out!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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?
  • Fiji orientation
  • Thailand spring break
  • TEAN events
* What could be improved?
  • cost
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I would fall in love with New Zealand and have incredible heartache to return.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Global Pop/ Popular Culture

Course Department: Music
Instructor: Dan Milosavljevic
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Professor was extremely knowledgeable and always helpful. Course material wasn't challenging but the discussion and critical thinking he asked for were engaging and thought provoking.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues transferring.