Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A great time with some great views Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/25/2019 to 07/01/2019 with

The University of Auckland: Auckland - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Going abroad was extremely worthwhile. I gained a new level of independence and confidence in my ability to make things work even far from home, not previously knowing anybody. I also gained a new appreciation for academics and community at Middlebury after attending a big school which lacked the key aspects that I love about Middlebury.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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:

Housing was self catered.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Being directly enrolled was valuable to being immersed in the school, but the study abroad students still tended to stay together, especially in such a big school.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health problems but others said their services were good.

* Safety:

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

I would have chosen a different university in New Zealand. University of Auckland does not have much of a community and the city itself would not have been my first choice of location in New Zealand. However, I ended up choosing to come here as it was the only university that worked with my schedule.

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)

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?
  • A new experince
  • Meeting new people
  • being able to explore NZ
* What could be improved?
  • better help navigating enrollment
  • more information about the university before leaving
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I knew very little going in but learned along the way, which was extremely useful in becoming a better self advocate. I'd say, keep asking questions and seeking help from all resources.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Health Care Ethics

Course Department: Population Health
Instructor: Monique Jonas
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The professor was extremely well prepared and created thought provoking discussions that were challenging but rewarding.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Maori 130
Course Department: Maori Studies
Instructor: Tiopira McDowell
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was one of the best classes I have ever taken, giving all students the important opportunity to learn about Maori history and social issues from a Maori perspective.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Sociology 100
Course Department: Sociology
Instructor: Steve Mattewman
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I did not intend to take this class, as there was a schedule conflict, but it ended up being interesting.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Marine 303

Course Department: Marine Science
Instructor: Richard Taylor
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class was full of interesting content but not particularly well taught.
Credit Transfer Issues: