the most beautiful experience of my life Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were easy, heavily relied on final exam grade (little internal evaluation), library easy to use, friendly staff/professors, 50% is passing, overall easy and lots of resources which was really good for being abroad and wanting to focus on outdoor experiences in New Zealand. Some inspiring professors, and all were dedicated to helping students.

On-site administration of your program

There was orientation for exchange students, a performance of Maori song and dance at the international welcome, and the option to be a part of the international friendship network to play games and get to know other exchange students. They were very helpful and welcoming toward foreign students and even more activities for those part of the UniFlats housing.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had an incredible experience with UniFlats housing. You live with 1 New Zealander, which is your Kiwi host, and 3 other exchange students in small houses close to campus. It was all furnished with a bedding package, and all utility bills are included in the cost. We had a few items and windows break (which were our fault) and UniFlats fixed them so fast! There were dinners and volleyball games arranged for others in UniFlats, and the kiwi hosts were very kind and well prepared to accept exchange students. Not overly expensive. The housing really helped give me a better experience, and I'm glad I didn't choose another type of housing. It is a college town though, so there is glass all over the streets and lots of partying.

The food was pretty similar to food in the US, and you could see a lot of British influence in what they eat (fish and chips). New Zealanders love dairy products and greasy foods! I gained 10 pounds there. They also eat a lot of curry, mince pies, and sausages. The cafes around town are delicious. No brewed coffee there though. Food was pretty expensive at grocery stores (especially avocados and limes) and had a bit of a smaller variety. I would recommend trying marmite on toast, milo drink, and whittaker's chocolate.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were some friendly joking about the fact that we were Americans, so you have to go into it with a lighthearted attitude. But, most New Zealanders were super friendly and willing to hang out and have discussions about our cultural differences. The kiwi students are generally very silly, outgoing people and love to drink and have fun. They seem to have less boundaries and are more trusting than Americans (they will randomly pop over to your house, leave their laptops unattended to grab food, etc.). The adults are generally helpful and will have long conversations with you, and mostly don't seem rushed. Everyone seems very supportive of each other. Kiwis are generally liberal but also don't get as emotionally absorbed in politics like Americans. All of these things helped me feel a sense of belonging and openness, possibly more than I do in America.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to make a doctor's appointment not through the university, and they were very thorough and helpful. I also got a free flu vaccination through the university, and they were very safe and friendly. The health care basically works the same as it does at home, and they have similar types of medications. You did not need to have vaccinations before entering New Zealand.

In the houses around campus, the campus watch patrol around. They once approached me and asked if I wanted an escort going home at night. They are friendly and aren't there to punish, just to help (you won't get in trouble if they need to assist you in an alcohol related incident). The city overall seems very safe, although I did hear of a mugging and a couple robberies that happened while I was there. There is very little gun violence. Also, New Zealand is very safe in terms of dangerous animals. There are no snakes and only 1 type of deadly spider, and very little aggressive mammals (but the sand flies are very annoying...). I felt safer there than I do at home, but I would still recommend taking the usual safety precautions.

Everything worked perfectly and cohesively. The classes were fairly easy, everyone was so friendly and funny, and it was one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. If you love the outdoors and you love hiking and beaches, go here. I felt so free and alive and I know it will be something I will look back on as the best time of my life. We have already made plans for reunions both in New Zealand and America with all the friends I have made. I am even considering returning for my masters.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I brought $4,000 USD for food, trips, and personal expenses, and it was all gone by the time I left. Food and personal items are about the same if not more than the cost in America. I did however take a lot of trips, took a plane to the north island, and go skydiving twice, so I probably could have done the experience more cheaply (but I don't regret the trips at all).

Select all that apply

• Other

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Beautiful scenery
• Happy, funny people
• Great housing experience

• preparation for how expensive it is
• more time and activities to connect with other students going on trip
• more push toward UniFlats housing (would not have been the same without it)

The Avid Adventurer