The Best Part of My Undergraduate Education Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The class structure in New Zealand is quite different than in the States. Most course grades are made up from one or two essays and a final exam. This method is good for when you want to travel and put school on the back burner (shhh!), but can be somewhat stressful if you are one to rely on multiple items to make up an overall grade.

On-site administration of your program

TEAN's on-site staff exposed us to a few excursions around the city and were always available to give us tips throughout our travels!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living with people from other countries! It was so much fun learning about the differences and similarities in our cultures and lingo. I lived with 2 Kiwis, 2 Canadians, and another American.

I was able to cook any meal I wanted because we had a full kitchen in our flats. I was happy to have this arrangement because I like cooking and did not have to rely on a meal plan. The grocery store was a short and scenic walk through the botanical gardens from my flat. Dunedin is also home to the world's best (and cheapest) curries! At lunchtime, you could get a delicious butter chicken curry, naan bread, and a drink for only $10 NZD!!! Thanks to my diverse flatmates, I was able to try numerous foods that I never would have tried before at home, and now I'm obsessed with those foods and can't imagine living without them (i.e. sweet chili sauce, curry, cheese rolls, etc.)

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living with locals allowed me to meet more people than I would have if I only lived with international students! Dunedin also offered numerous cultural events, from their Chinese New Year celebration to their ANZAC Day memorial.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The University of Otago provides Campus Watch officers to patrol the student area. You can always find them walking people home if they feel unsafe or if it is late; they are very friendly, helpful, and prioritize student safety.

TEAN was a great program! They offered pre-semester excursions and insights into my host country's history and culture. I really like how they're so environmentally concerned and promote earth-friendly ways of living. They greatly prepared us for what was expected as students in New Zealand. I loved the opportunities and support this program gave me throughout my time abroad.

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

The U.S dollar has more value than New Zealand currency, so you actually spend less than you think. This can get tricky and things add up pretty quickly, especially excursions and trips. However, New Zealand is great because most things are free, such as hiking, visiting museums, visiting national parks, seeing wildlife, etc.

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• Other
• Apartment

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Available excursions
• Promoting earth-friendly ways of living
• Staff support

• Better availability for coffee catch-ups