Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying abroad with TEAN was the best decision I've ever made! Past Review

By (University of Iowa) - abroad from 06/30/2018 to 11/10/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be more independent while abroad. I chose which classes I wanted to take and where I wanted to travel. Studying abroad was a chance to travel like I had never done before, and it was definitely worth it. I got to meet people from all over the world and have the time of my life!

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50 NZD for food, $30 NZD other expenses
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget! I bought food that was in season which kept costs low. The grocery stores in New Zealand always have sales on items, so always look at those. Also, split costs with your friends, especially for gas!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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?
  • Organized Events
  • "Catch-Up" Events
  • Meeting students during Orientation
* What could be improved?
  • More connections between New Zealand university campuses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? TEAN won't leave you stranded once you arrive in New Zealand. I was worried about this when going abroad, but I was completely wrong. The first week in New Zealand was primarily just meeting other students as nervous as I was, but TEAN did a great job of introducing me to everyone and bonding with others.

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.