Kiwi As: Life as a Southland New Zealander Past Review
By Beatriz D (Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California - Merced) for
University of Otago, New Zealand: Study Abroad Programme
The experience was definitely worth while, it impacted my cultural awareness of many different backgrounds. I learned from both the academics and the social experience I shared with other interational students and the locals. Though my academic interests did not change, I am now seeing my fields of interest in a worldwide perspective.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The grading system was more linient than here in the states, but the rigor of the work was slightly greater at Otago than at UC Merced. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were accessibile, but didn't go above and beyond with their services. They didn't provide any (aside one dinner meeting) events after orientation was over. They did provide us with good information during orientation. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in UniFlats which are specially for international students (living with a host student). The location of my flat was convenient, just walking distance to campus and other important places. The housing alloed for massive socializing with other internationals and local students alike. The city is a campus town, so nightlife was everywhere! |
| * Food: |
Scarfie pies in the campus store are amazing and a great deal as well. There are many places which have student meal deals. The quality of the food anywhere in the city was good. Velvet Burger was one of the local's favorite, but some of the weekday hot spots included The Cook -a pub across campus with meal deals- campus cafeteria which had a big selection of products and the OUSA student meal deals everyday at noon. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Rugby games, O-Week, OUSA events all were great, but all were provided by the host school rather than the program itself. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Campus Watch, security on and around campus,was a great team that is quick to help, but also allows students to live the collegelifestyle. They intervene once it becomes a safety concern and do so in a nonagressive, proper manner. They were not intimidating nor did they harass students. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $120 NZD |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Food is expensive, so if possible share food with flatmates. Other than food, other expenses really just depend on your habits. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would just say that enjoying the program is all on you. Weather or not the program provides amazing services, you can still have an amazing time abroad regardless. I think this program is most fitting for people who do not want to be tied down to a schedule. The program allows you to explore the country on your own, while it is scary at first your end result is great satisfaction, amazing memories, and an unforgettable experience. |
