New Zealand: An experience of a lifetime Past Review
By Abby M (Finance and Financial Management Services., University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) for
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse: New Zealand & Sydney: Humans, Business, and the Environment
It was the trip of a lifetime. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. It has impacted me by realizing how far behind the US is with sustainability and what other countries are doing to be ahead of us.
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 educational experience was good. It wasn't too much that we were overwhelmed but it was enough that we still were able to learn some things. Since we didn't really study at a university it is hard to compare them. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My professors accessibility and support was really good. You were always able to find her and ask her questions. She was really supportive with people that were feeling home sick and she made you feel comfortable talking to her. She was extremely good at getting the journals and exams graded by the next day or two for us to look at them. That was something a I really liked. My professor had never been to New Zealand before so she was learning with us and I thought that was cool to see her so interested in learning things. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The host family was an amazing experience. Those were probably the best 3 days of the trip. I loved being able to interact with locals from there and hear their stories. The only thing that I didn't like about the housing was that a couple of the hostels were extremely small to have 5 girls with luggage in there. |
| * Food: |
The dinners and lunch that we were provided were really good but what we got for breakfast was not all that great. We ended up spending a lot of money in the first couple cities because we didn't realize we had to find so many meals on our own. We thought we were going to be provided more. Advice for future students is to go to the store and buy food for multiple meals worth and only eat out once in awhile. Also if you can go in with someone that will also save you money. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
One thing I really enjoyed was the Maori tours. It was really interesting to learn about them and how they have stayed around for so long. The best trip that was arranged for us was the dolphin encounter. It was so amazing to swim with so many dolphins. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The safety in New Zealand is really good. It is one of the safest countries. I never felt unsafe no matter where I was. I would still recommend that if you're going somewhere to make sure someone else is going with. |
| 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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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* 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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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? | If you are thinking about studying abroad do it. Even if money is an issue you won't regret the decision because it will change your look on life. Any type of student would benefit from this program but it is more focused towards business. |
