The most amazing experience of my life Past Review
By Alex M (Geophysics, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/08/2012 to 06/22/2012 with
University of Otago, New Zealand: Study Abroad Programme
People are just people no matter where you go, even living in a completely different culture I still felt like I could easily fit into this part of the world if I were to live here permanently. I saw so many beautiful landscapes and scenery that I will never forget. It was 100% worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The grading system was quite different because a 50 and below is failing, instead of 70. Taking only three classes is full time, therefore each class is more demanding of your time. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
In the beginning, the international program gets all of the students together on a train ride and BBQ, but after that there's not many more events until the end of the semester with a dinner. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The Uni Flats, which is university owned, is the official housing for international students. It was absolutely amazing, and I highly recommend to apply through them for living. They make it very easy for you providing furniture and linen... all you need to bring with you is clothes. |
| * Food: |
Food was okay in NZ. They have good asian food, but nothing else is that great.. barely any Mexican food and the food can get pretty expensive. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There are pros and cons to living in the uni flats, and even though I highly recommend it, I also believe that they make it harder for the international students to truly mix with the kiwis. You have a kiwi host, but they are usually more interested in meeting internationals than bringing you into their friend groups. My best advice is to join as many clubs as people, and that will be your best chance at finding kiwi friends. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I went to the student health center when I got sick and it was very simple to get medicine. |
| * Safety: |
NZ is one of the safest countries in the world. There's really not to much to worry about besides common theft problems in student living areas. |
| 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) |
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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | No |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $70 NZD |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try not to eat out too much because dinner is usually around $16+ for a regular meal. It will add up fast. |
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? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | To pack a lot lighter. I brought way too many things and wasn't able to bring that much extra back. |
