Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying abroad was the best thing I've ever done. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/17/2017 to 06/23/2017 with

University of Otago, New Zealand: Study Abroad Programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learned more about myself than about academics, that's for sure. It was the most worthwhile experience I've ever had in my 21 years on this planet.

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.

Didn't really come for academics, which made it difficult to stay focused/motivated.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Loved not being a part of a program. I got to do what I wanted, no binds.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Loved the flat, loved the location.

* Food:

Had to cook all my food, so I started out making very poor meals but I got the hang of it. Also, groceries are expensive, especially if you eat a lot of food like me.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Lived with internationals, and 90% of the people I met were internationals. What culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Didn't have to address any health issues

* Safety:

I felt very safe in this city.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

New Zealand is a dream location. I got to spend 4 months in the adventure capital of the world. It's living in a fantasy land, and for active individuals who love the outdoors, you'll never want to leave this place.

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)

It was hard not being able to work, so save up beforehand. Luckily I had the funds to manage.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring friends along on trips to save money/split costs. Buy bulk foods that are still healthy, like brown rice, kale, spinach, oats, etc. Try not to drink so much (those alcohol bills add up unfortunately). NEVER EAT OUT, especially for breakfast. Why spend $18 on a 2 eggs, toast and bacon when that $18 will buy you 60 eggs?

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? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Adventure
  • Travel
  • Mind-Blowing Landscapes
* What could be improved?
  • Pass/Fail would've been nice
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I did a year

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:

Mind and Reality
Course Department: Philosophy
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: Really loved this course. I tried something new and it was well worth it. Although the exam is worth 60% of your grade, which I just find ridiculous. It really promotes 'cramming' so you better be prepared for a VERY stressful exam period.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

History 107
Course Department: History
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: Worst class of all time. I'm not one to miss lectures, because I learn from lectures, but it was physically impossible to learn from these instructors. It was like watching an old VHS tape recording on the History Channel. I actually felt robbed of my money with this class.
Credit Transfer Issues: Haven't done this yet
Course Name/Rating:

Psych in Legal Context
Course Department: Psychology
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: Great course, great lecturer, exams were pretty hard.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Psychology of Religion
Course Department: Religion
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: A mirror image of a Middlebury course. Amazing content, lectures, professor. All around great class and would highly recommend. Also the exam isn't going to decide your grade like all the other papers' exams that are at least 50% of your grade.
Credit Transfer Issues: