Dunedin: A Great Choice If You Like Being Outside Past Review

By (Neurobiology and Neurosciences., Middlebury College) - abroad from 07/09/2012 to 11/06/2012 with

University of Otago, New Zealand: Study Abroad Programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Totally worthwhile; a once in a lifetime experience. Learned so much about the relationship between America and foreign countries and I learned a lot about New Zealand culture. I also learned to be independent and entertain/care for myself for 5 months.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

While I very much enjoyed the different approach to academics, resources were not made available very easily if I had a concern. There was one assignment I got the grade back, but never the hard copy, so I couldn't see where I had lost credit even after sending a few emails.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were clear about what was expected of us as students, and how to go about the semester.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was great. They put me in a "flat" with a couple other Americans and two awesome New Zealand kids. No surprises really. Except that there was no central heating or insulation, so I was very cold for the first while.

* Food:

Very international cuisine. Can find anything.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Awesome culture, very fun, easygoing, inclusive. One of the best aspects. Some of the nicest people I've ever met.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

NA; no healthcare issues, though a friend got sick and was very upset with the lack of ease with which she received medical attention.

* Safety:

Very low crime rate in the country overall and also within Dunedin. Campus safety walks around a lot.

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)

Rent alone was $136 per week, plus food, power, and other spending, I probably went over $200 every single week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Not including rent ($136/week), probably about $150 on average.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It's pretty tough to cut corners. We were not living lavishly, but just in buying groceries, paying for gas, and going on weekend trips, you'll spend a lot.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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?
  • Backpacking, skydiving, outdoor adventures
  • New Zealand culture: friendly
  • academics: nice change from America
* What could be improved?
  • simple amenities, like internet access and heating
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring your ski stuff.

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:

Maor 102

Course Department: Maori Studies
Instructor: Professor Suzanne Duncan
Instruction Language: English and Maori
Comments: Relaxed, fun class. You learn a lot about New Zealand and Maori history, which is pretty interesting.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Psyc 211

Course Department: Psychology
Instructor: Professor Liana Machado and David Bilkey
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Interesting and challenging, good psych course.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues, recommend this course.
Course Name/Rating:

Hist 105

Course Department: History
Instructor: Tom Water
Instruction Language: English
Comments: World War I history course that is very interesting. I didn't even know that New Zealand and Australia were involved in the global conflict.
Credit Transfer Issues: Not that I know of.
Course Name/Rating:

Gene 222

Course Department: Genetics
Instructor: Iain Lamont, Janice Lord, Jon Waters, Martyn Kennedy
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Challenging and interesting, though with a bit of overlap as the professors each tended to review basic material that had already been covered by another professor.
Credit Transfer Issues: