Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

There and Back Again: An Epic New Zealand Adventure Past Review

By (Geology and Math, Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/16/2015 to 06/17/2015 with

University of Otago, New Zealand: Study Abroad Programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I gained a lot of independence and confidence. I got a lot better at meeting new people and making friends with people who are from a different culture than me. Finally, I also loved traveling - I'm definitely inspired to adventure more in my backyard and want to go abroad again somewhere else.

Review Photos

University of Otago: Dunedin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Otago: Dunedin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Otago: Dunedin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Otago: Dunedin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Otago: Dunedin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $100 depending on how much I traveled.

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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • The experiences
  • The people
  • Dunedin City
* What could be improved?
  • Guidence on what classes to take
  • Nothing else I can think of!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I felt pretty prepared before I went. I was nervous and wasn't sure is was going to be as amazing as people kept telling me it was. But, in the end, it was every bit as amazing.

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:

GEOL252
Course Department: Geology
Instructor: Multiple
Instruction Language: English
Comments: An awesome way to get out and see New Zealand and to meet kiwis. Geologic sites were interesting but the material was very practical and career oriented.
Credit Transfer Issues: I have not transferred the credit yet.