Becoming independent with my semester in New Zealand Past Review

By (Comparative Literature., SUNY - Binghamton) for

The University of Auckland: Auckland - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
yes worhtwhile, the program was poor

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The work was hard but I learned a lot of invaluable information about subjects I didn't know i was interested in, i.e. Art History.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

AWFUL. AWFUL. Very uncommuncative, very unhelpful. Did not return important phone calls, did not inform me that i would need a visa to study or even to get into the country, bad, bad, rude, BAD. i was one of 2 students on the program and they treated me like dirt.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Found my own apartment. <br /><br /> Devonport, best place ever.

* Food:

expensive but fresh

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Loved the people I met. Many Germans!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Safe country

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? Food about $100 a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Food is very expensive, activites are expensive. Buy a car when you arrive, well worth it when you sell back after.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? New Zealand is an incredible utopia, nurturing in it academic environment. Do not rely too heavily on your home institution for support, though the chance is rare you'd need it.