Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Rewarding, beautiful, and inspiring! June 18, 2025

By (Geography, Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/17/2025 to 06/16/2025 with

University of Otago, New Zealand: Study Abroad Programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to put myself out of my comfort zone, and that most people are also a little nervous. It was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100 NZD for food, $60 NZD for weekend adventures

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
  • 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?
  • My flat (roommates)
  • Nature
  • Uni Flats
* What could be improved?
  • Professors helping students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To bring more layers, it gets cold.

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:

Waiata: Te Tīmatanga
Course Department: Maori
Instructor: Karyn Paringatai
Instruction Language: English/Maori
Comments: I adored this class. Definitely recommend. Great way to learn about the Maori culture and meet friends.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Engaging with People and Place: Doing Geographical Research
Course Department: Geography
Instructor: Etienne Nel
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Environmental Management: Principles and Values
Course Department: Geography
Instructor: Sean Connelly
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Coastal Geomorphology
Course Department: Geography
Instructor: Wayne Stephenson
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: