South Island of New Zealand-Sweet As! Past Review
By Arely S (Marine and Freshwater Biology, The University of Texas at Austin) for
University of Otago, New Zealand: Study Abroad Programme
More than worthwhile academically because research at Otago Uni is renowned and lecturers are awesome! I plan to live in New Zealand one day because of this abroad experience.
Review Photos
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. |
I highly recommend Otago for any science majors. I did not like the grading system. Very different from the US. Usually the final is worth 60%or more of your grade! |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Arcadia gives you amazing, sweet, and helpful program directors which will always be available whenever you have a question, concern, or just want to chat. The program gives you support of any kind like insurance and financial when you need it. Arcadia also schedules amazing weekend activities throughout the semster, that you will forever remember. Most of all, a community of other Arcaida students throughout the country with which you can go visit! |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Lived in university international flats with two other american girls and one "kiwi host". Dunedin is extremely cold in the winter and the flat is not insulated so it is freezing inside the house although there is a heat pump. Electricity is pre-paid and gets expensive during the winter. I suggest NOT using the personal heater because it drains electricity and is not that warm. Kitchen and living room was small but just as you would expect for student housing. Own room is a plus! It's right on campus so classes are super close. If anything breaks, the university comes and fixes it. Internet connection was horrible and skype didn't work a lot of the times. The complex is full of other international students so it is very social! But can be loud during the weekends. I loved my housing! |
| * Food: |
If you don't know how to cook, you're gonna have to learn because eating out gets expensive, unless you eat fish and chips all the time, which is only $3. :) |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
For orientation we went to Auckland and Rotorua to see the geothermal park, mud pools, geysers, natural hot spa, zorbing, and the world's greatest sheep show?? :) During the semester, Arcadia took us to Queenstown for one of the "Great Walks"-The Routebourn Track and bungy jumping for those that wanted to risk their lives. A day of surfing at St. Clair's beach, bike trail, farewell dinner, and many others. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
New Zealand is the safest country in the world and I'm not exaggerating. The most dangerous animal is a bee. The police do not carry weapons because there is no need. Crime is unheard of. There was the earthquake but no one got hurt. Free healthcare even for international students! |
| 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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan out your meals when you travel. Buy food at grocery stores. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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 |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you're looking for an adventure-south island of New Zealand is where you need to be. It is one of the most unique and beautiful place on earth and make sure you go see the whole south island especially Fjordland! |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Antarctic Marine Biology |
| Course Department: | MARI431 |
| Instructor: | Dr. Miles Lamare |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This is a small postgraduate class but it has been my favorite class ever. The lectures were interesting, my classmates wanted to learn, the material was challenging but I learned a lot. The assignments are worthwhile. The professor was very approachable and cared about the progress of the students. Highly reccommend this class to any marine biology major. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Marine Invertebrates |
| Course Department: | MARI202 |
| Instructor: | Dr. Miles Lamare and other guest lecturers |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This class teaches you how to classify marine invertebrates and about their importance to the marine ecosystem with emphasis on organisms of New Zealand and the southern ocean. The lecturers are known for this field of research so you're getting taught by the best of the best. Has a lab component that requires quite a bit of work that is only worth 30% of grade. Final is worth 60% so class may be tough if you dont work well under pressure. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Human Thought and Behavior |
| Course Department: | PSY112 |
| Instructor: | four different lecturers |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | First year but second semester introductory class to psychology with a lab component. Class held in auditorium. Four different lecturers that teach on their respective fields: Thought & Language, Social Psychology, Child Development, and Abnormal Psychology. I enjoyed this class because it is interesting but not too demanding. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
