Academically fulfilling but socially stressful Past Review
By Jennifer Sierra Lyon-Mackie (Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/21/2017 to 06/10/2017 with
University of Otago, New Zealand: Study Abroad Programme
I would not do it again given the chance, my semesters at Wellesley have been much more fulfilling.
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. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My building was falling apart and there was near constant noise pollution due to the part atmosphere of the school. |
* Food: |
Cooked for ourselves |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I only lived with American students, but there were some locals next door. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had a health issue and felt very unsupported. The local healthcare system was fine, but the school itself was terrible about accommodations. |
* Safety: |
|
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I learned a lot but felt pretty constantly lonely. |
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? | 100, due to cooking for myself |
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 |
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
* What did you like most about the program? |
|
* What could be improved? |
|
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That I would have to learn to be alone most of the time and that this school is the epitome of a party school. |
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. |