Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Aotearoa (New Zealand): The land that touched my heart Past Review

By (Accounting, Chapman University) for

University of Waikato: Hamilton - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to take things slowly, appreciate the things I have even more. The people of New Zealand are simple; they don't need a lot to keep them happy. Being able to spend time with their friends and family over a good meal is enough for them. Being from Hawai'i has exposed me to many different cultures, but the Maori culture is very unique and I learned a lot about it while I was there. I also learned to appreciate the land and environment a lot more. New Zealand is a beautiful country, with rolling hills, vast landscapes, breathtaking views etc. When I'm at home, I'm constantly on the go, always concerned about getting from place to place as quickly as possible. After spending time in such a beautiful country, I began to think about what I have at home. I simply never took advantage of what my home has to offer because I figured I'd always have time to get to it later. I've also begun to use reusable bags when I go grocery shopping. They charge you for plastic bags at most places in New Zealand so I got into the habit of taking a bag with me wherever I went. Even though these aren't the norm here, I do it anyway. I don't care if people are getting annoyed because it's taking the clerk so long to bag my things up (they aren't used to it)... I'm trying to help out the environment!

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.

Different... took some getting used to. My grades kind of got destroyed by the final because it was worth so much of the entire grade.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

It was a meal, I guess. A lot of times I'd find out what they were serving in the dining hall and decide to eat somewhere off campus with friends.

* 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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think that the University of Waikato is often overlooked. Most students flock to Auckland or Wellington because it seems like the safer choice. Not only does Waikato offer similar types of programs than the other universities, it offers a peaceful and friendly neighborhood free from the hustle and bustle of busy city life. I firmly believe that any student looking for an experience full of culture and enduring friendships would benefit from this program and university. Studying abroad in New Zealand may limit you from seeing many different countries, but what you get it return is far more valuable. You are immersed into a culture and language from the very beginning. You form friendships with people not only from other foreign countries or the U.S., but also from New Zealand. If you want to study abroad in a place full of other Americans, then this is not the place for you. Here you are part of a small group of Americans each looking for a unique experience. Lastly, if you are from Hawai'i, another Pacific Island nation, are of Polynesian heritage, or are simply interested in these things, New Zealand is the place for you. Aotearoa is a very special place that will always hold a special place in my heart. It makes you appreciate your culture and where you're from a million times more by simply being exposed to such a strong Pacific Island culture.