Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fell in Love in More Ways than One Past Review

By (Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 07/02/2013 to 11/11/2013 with

University of Otago, New Zealand: Study Abroad Programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Gained a bunch of social experience just by meeting so many different kinds of people. Definitely became much more self sufficient (its something else being on your own in a different country). Of course gained a bunch of incredible experiences and knowledge opening up my imagination even more.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Local health care system is great! They have a "Users Pay" sort of philosophy in New Zealand so I was reminded many times that if anything happens to you, basically all health costs are covered. Even Helicopter rescues (if in an emergency) are fully payed for (but it has to happen within New Zealand)

* Safety:

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)

I have no idea, very rough estimate and "personal expenses" should be clarified (does this include rent and such?)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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?
  • Location
  • People
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I should not have bought that bike and I should have taken my tent to New Zealand

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.