A Lesson Beyond the Classroom Past Review

By (Mathematics and Philosophy, Middlebury College) - abroad from 07/13/2015 to 11/07/2015 with

University of Waikato: Hamilton - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
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

* 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

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? 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

  • Dorm
* 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
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?
  • Central location of Hamilton
* What could be improved?
  • Hamilton
* 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 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:

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: