Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Past Review

By (Math, Tufts University) for

University of Otago, New Zealand: Study Abroad Programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very relaxing and I did a lot of cool things. It was a unique experience that I'll probably never have an opportunity to do again. that being said, I am glad to be back home this semester.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of Otago
The term and year this program took place: Fall 2008

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was really cold. Also, I was mostly living with Americans, which was too bad. I would have liked to live around more Kiwis. <br /><br /> It was too far away from campus, too cold, and there were too many Americans.

* Food:

The food was as good as I made it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Lots of incredible hiking/weekend trips.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Everything health wise was good.

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 was a little bit cheaper than in the United States.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

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 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? Enroll directly to the university. Also, buy a car and then sell it at the end. You can buy one that runs decently well for $500. You have access to great trips/hikes this way.