Dunedin: sweet as Past Review

By Jeff D (Philosophy., Middlebury College) for

University of Otago, New Zealand: Study Abroad Programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I became more responsible and better at taking initiative. It has also made me a more adventurous and outgoing person, because I had to do everything on my own will if I wanted to have any fun. I gained an interesting perspective on how people treat life on the other side of the world, and it will forever affect how I live my life.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The workload was very manageable especially since I wanted to travel a lot and see as much as I could. The grading system took a while to get used to, but made me focus when it came time to submit assignments. The education system was very different from the US, but I enjoyed experiencing the difference, and I am better student back in the US because I experienced a different education system.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Over 500 international students study at Otago every semester, so with a little patience, the administration will meet all expectations. They did a great job scheduling events during the first few days we were there, and the staff were always available to answer questions. The pre-arrival planning is helpful as well.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	The international student housing is right in the middle of the main student neoghborhood, which really helped integrate international students into the Dunedin's university culture.
* Food:	food is pretty expensive, but there are lots of options to check out.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	the rugby world cup was great, the country pretty much stopped for a month while the tournament was held. All the guidebooks have the same stuff, so got to all the classic spots and explore a little. Leave yourself open to adventure. And in Dunedin, check out Moana Pools.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Super safe city, there are no safety or health problems. Great hospital if you need it.
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)

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	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans International Students Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	Social Scene Opportunity for adventure Travel opportunities
* What could be improved?	More stuctured/ eventful orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	If you are open, outgoing, fun-loving, and adventurous, you will have a great time in Dunedin. There is not much structure to life there, and you need to be able to take advantage of your time and go do stuff. You'll live in a flat with 3-5 other students, so you really need to go out and meet people. Otago is for the extroverted. But it is fun.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Maori Society
Course Department:	MAOR102
Instructor:	Suzanne Duncan
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	The course was great as a very general survey of Maori Culture. It covered all important aspects of life, and got into just enough detail to give me a working knowledge of the culture. I would recommend this class to any foreign student that wants to learn about the native culture of New Zealand and how it affects New Zealand currently
Credit Transfer Issues:	no problems

Course Name/Rating:	Social Aspects of Language
Course Department:	LING112
Instructor:	Anne Feryok
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This course taught me how language is closely intertwined with culture, and can thus reflect social conditions and change as such. It was a very interesting course with interesting field work and not very much work outside of class.
Credit Transfer Issues:	no problems

Course Name/Rating:	Zen Buddhism
Course Department:	RELS216
Instructor:	Erica Bafelli
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This was a great course about the history and philosophy of Zen Buddhism in Japan. This course focused more on the history and practice of Zen Buddhism in Japan, rather than focusing solely on the doctrines and philosophy of the tradition. I learned a lot about Zen Buddhism and how it has influenced Japanese culture over time.
Credit Transfer Issues:	no problems

Course Name/Rating:	ANZAC and Its Legacy
Course Department:	HIST105
Instructor:	Tom Brooking
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This was a great course about New Zealand's involvement in the first world war and how this affected New Zealand culture. So much of the nation's identity comes from this time period, and it was great to take this course as I traveled throughout the country. It is very applicable to understanding New Zealand culture.
Credit Transfer Issues:	no problems