Dunedin: A Great Choice If You Like Being Outside Past Review
By Daniel P (Neurobiology and Neurosciences., Middlebury College) - abroad from 07/09/2012 to 11/06/2012 with
University of Otago, New Zealand: Study Abroad Programme
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
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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 |
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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? | 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 AdventurerThe 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: |