AMAZING Past Review
By A student (Architecture., Marywood University) - abroad from 02/19/2012 to 06/27/2012 with
The University of Auckland: Auckland - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned so many things about myself and other people. I learned how to make friends when you don't know anyone, and live and get along with all different types of people. It was nice to know that if one day I have to move to a brand new city I will survive.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The teachers were unhelpful and unresponsive to my requests for help. Did not try to work with me to improve my marks. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Not applicable |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Environment was friendly and welcoming and interesting. Made many many friends. The rooms were small but cozy, nice to have single rooms. Facilities were great for sports, games, movies, activities. Only complaint was the laundry facilities-were expensive and often malfunctioned. Great central location. |
| * Food: |
Food was not too bad, however some months were very good and others were not so good. Not too much variety, and food felt like it lacked nutritional value. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Even though I made friends with a lot of the international students, I still became very intergrated in the New Zealand culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Their system is great for citizens, but harder to manage if you are not a New Zealand citizen. |
| * Safety: |
I always felt safe, everyone was friendly and helpful. Never felt like I was in any danger even at night in the city. |
| 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) |
Living on a student budget was not too hard during the regular weeks, however it was the traveling and trips and activities that were more expensive. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | When traveling, stay in Hostels and instead of eating out, buy groceries for your trip, most hostels have full kitchens that you can use. Show your student ID everywhere, you can usually get discounts. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
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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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew that I was going to be switching my major and had taken general education courses. |
