New Zealand Adventure Past Review
By Morgan N (Marketing and Finance Double Major, Drake University) for
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Wellington - Massey University
Absolutely my abroad experience was worth it. Not only did I learn things about the New Zealand culture, I learned about America/other’s perceptions of America, and even about myself.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The main difference I faced between my home university and my New Zealand university was that in New Zealand I had less assignments/tests that were graded. There they rely on independent learning, focusing on reading outside of class. I adjusted to this by putting more time into each individual assignment since they were worth more of my grade. Another major difference would be the grading scale. I am use to the 100, 90, 80, etc. grading scale. There 50% was a C. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
TEAN has fabulous people working both in New Zealand and Aussie. TEAN was the only group I heard of that had representatives come to the cities where they had participates and spend a day exploring the cities, catching up, or just going out for dinner. Also TEAN went above and beyond when the disastrous earthquake hit Christchurch. They did everything they could to make sure all their student were more than comfortable and moved to a new city. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
TEAN arranged our housing for us. I highly recommend this because the last thing you want to do when you arrive in such an amazing town is try to find some place to stay. |
| * Food: |
Massey housing does not provide food. However the grocery stores are within walking distance. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My advice is the best way to learn the culture is to befriend your kiwi classmates. I also really encourage to travel and see as much of the country as you can. But it’s also important to make those friends, if you can travel with your kiwi friends! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If staying at the Massey University housing you need to pay for internet and power. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | My advice would be to try everything. Even if is something that is totally outside of your comfort zone, you would be surprised at what you can do. |
