My Semester in New Zealand Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Most of my final grade was determined by the exam at the end of the term, with very few internal assignments ever graded. Attending lectures was never mandatory, and all slides were posted online. This meant that students could get away with never going to class and not learning the material until the final exam period at the end of the term, a system I see as unproductive and ineffective at teaching.

On-site administration of your program

Housing was great, and the international program coordinators were extremely kind people. They respond to emails quickly and are happy to help if you have a physical, emotional, or financial issue!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a wonderful living situation and enjoyed my space very much. Two Kiwi students lived with me as Kiwi Hosts, as well as two other international students. I became close friends with one of the internationals, but the Kiwis were not prepared to be effective hosts and help with cultural immersion problems.

We cooked all our own meals, which was new but exciting. New Zealand cuisine is very easy to transition to as an American. Food in the city was relatively affordable.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There are so many international students at this university that nobody looks twice when they hear an American or English or Scandinavian accent. While this felt nice to not be "an outsider", there was no real challenge I had to overcome and no feeling of accomplishment at becoming integrated. Most of the friends I made were American.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

All health care was covered by our medical insurance we were required to pay before arrival, but I was able to visit a doctor once for a vaccination and once for an illness under that coverage.

Incredibly safe place. Female friends did mention at times they felt unsafe walking around the city after dark but I never heard of any incidences.

I had the freedom to explore and be adventurous, but my academics did not grow. I learned a lot about myself and made some fantastic memories, and I wouldn't trade them for the world.

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

The NZD is worth less than the USD, but cooking every meal yourself adds up to a lot, especially when you're not used to thinking about that fee. Adventures and buying a car are also significant financial factors that are new.

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• Other

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Freedom to choose how to spend your time
• How responsibility was placed wholly on me to succeed academically and socially
• The friends I made and the places I visited

• International student academic help
• Kiwi host selection
• city transportation education

The Avid Adventurer