A Lesson Beyond the Classroom Past Review
By A student (Mathematics and Philosophy, Middlebury College) - abroad from 07/13/2015 to 11/07/2015 with
University of Waikato: Hamilton - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
While the academic rigor is lighter than it is at Middlebury, studying abroad in New Zealand gives one a different kind of education. New Zealand is a great place to start traveling. The landscape is incredible, it's relatively small, it's very safe, people are helpful, and everyone speaks English. I feel like I returned from New Zealand a more well-rounded and mature individual, and I saw some beautiful places and made some great friends along the way.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Academic intensity was much lower than at Middlebury. Students were generally less engaged and professors expected less of students. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in an on-campus flat with 6 others, mostly other international students. It was self-catered which meant we cooked for ourselves. I would not recommend the fully-catered options (dining halls), as the food was not good and the window of time to get a meal was very limiting. |
* Food: |
See above. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Kiwi culture is similar to the culture in Vermont; everything is just a bit more relaxed. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had to purchase healthcare that the university approved, but it was relatively inexpensive and effective. |
* Safety: |
New Zealand in general is very safe, and people are generally very friendly and helpful. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About $50 for food and more for traveling |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Traveling can be very expensive. Buying a vehicle with a group of other international students can save a lot of money. |
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 |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I know how expensive traveling can be, even when traveling as cheaply as possible. |
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 AdventurerThe 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: |
Modern Algebra |
Course Department: | Mathematics |
Instructor: | Ian Hawthorne |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | |
Credit Transfer Issues: |
Course Name/Rating: |
Ethical Theory |
Course Department: | Philosophy |
Instructor: | Liezl van Zyl |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | |
Credit Transfer Issues: |
Course Name/Rating: |
New Zealand and the Pacific |
Course Department: | Anthropology |
Instructor: | Tom Ryan |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | |
Credit Transfer Issues: |