Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible semester, incredible places, incredible people! Past Review

By (University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 02/11/2017 to 06/20/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was able to interact with a diverse group of people from a wide range of places, and made friends I'll keep for the rest of my life. It was absolutely worthwhile and I wouldn't change a thing about my experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I absolutely loved being able to take courses with both international students and native New Zealanders, and thought the resources available (especially the international students' office) were phenomenal.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved getting to live in flats with other international students, and my fellow flatmates become some of my closest friends I made while abroad. The flat was clean and very close to campus and my other friends.

* Food:

Food in Dunedin was amazing! Such a variety of cuisines and no lack of great cafes.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no problems with the health care system in New Zealand.

* Safety:

Dunedin was a very safe city, and I always felt comfortable walking to/from campus and my friend's houses at night.

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

I never wanted to leave Dunedin! TEAN was an incredible resource and did a fabulous job getting us all acquainted and comfortable in our new homes. I had the greatest time of my life on this program!

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)

Dunedin is an affordable city -- groceries were never more than $50 NZD a week for me, and there were plenty of places to eat out that were cheap.

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
  • 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?
  • Proximity to outdoor activities
  • Option to live with other international students
  • Wide range of course options
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew to take advantage of the excursions put on by Unipol (campus gym).

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.