Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Adventure July 11, 2025

By (Data Science, French, Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/17/2025 to 06/18/2025 with

University of Otago, New Zealand: Study Abroad Programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile to have the opportunity to travel and explore New Zealand. If you like to be outdoors and meet other people who like similar activities, then it is a great experience.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Extremely helpful and responsive staff at the housing office. Administrators always respond to questions as well.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great housing options with UniFlats. Each student gets their own room within a larger house (flat) and is paired with other students. The houses are renovated and have all the needed utilities.

* Food:

Everyone cooks for themselves.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

At your uniflat you are given a kiwi host, another student at the University of Otago who is from New Zealand. This is a good introduction to other New Zealand students, however, it is up to you to integrate yourself into classes and clubs past that.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Dunedin is very safe, and has mostly students living in it.

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)

Food prices depended on what you were looking to buy. Much of the food grown in New Zealand was of normal or comparable prices to the US, but foods out of season that were imported were more expensive.

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

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Opportunity for adventure
  • Living options
* What could be improved?
  • Opportunities to meet other students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is a large university where you really have to reach out to make friends and meet people!

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.