New Zealand- A trip of a lifetime! You'll regret not going! Past Review
By Renee M (Management, University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) for
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse: New Zealand & Sydney: Humans, Business, and the Environment
Study abroad has opened my eyes to different cultures around the world and gave me a chance to dig deeper at just how unique they actually are. It was amazing to see how the students including myself grew throughout the program and how quickly we were able to adapt in the different environment. It was more than worthwhile! Traveling to two different countries helped me to gain so much experience in every aspect of my life including; communication, adaptation, knowledge, and so much more! I have learned so much about sustainability and how important it is to people and the environment and also the business world. I now know how to adopt this idea and implement it in my personal life and hopefully teach others about it. However, the real experience and learning comes from the trip itself!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload wasn't too much but just enough to learn about the countries we visited. We had lectures from local businesses which was a great lecture form and the students paid attention more because we saw so many new faces. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The knowledge about our host countries was phenomenal, I learned so much from the program! The program size was about 32 students and two professors; it was perfect. My expectations were met and exceeded! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The hostels we stayed in were amazing even though we moved around a lot and had various accommodations. The host families were very friendly and provided a safe and clean environment for the students. We all felt very welcome at our homestays. No matter where we stayed throughout the trip I always felt safe. We didn't need to buy anything to settle-in except groceries and necessities such as shampoo/conditioner, sunscreen, etc. |
| * Food: |
The food was pretty good wherever we went. There was always available grocery stores where students could purchase food and make dinner at a lower cost than dining out. Fergburg's was the best restaurant in Queenstown and I recommend it to all the students. The host families cooked us huge, delicious meals. We ate at a Malaysian restaurant in Wellington our first night there and I hated it. It was very different but it wasn't appetizing. However, the various local restaurants throughout the trip were satisfactory. Fish 'n Chips are a must anywhere throughout New Zealand. Also, Gelato in Queenstown or anywhere should be eaten by all students. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
One memorable event was when we were in Queenstown and we went by the Ocean and saw a bunch of street performers. We saw a magician and an artist. Going out and seeing the places you're in on your own and things that aren't scheduled on the itinerary definitely adds to the experience. Kayaking was by far my favorite experience and the breath taking scenery. You don't need to spend money on activities to enjoy this trip, it's all about what you make of it and open your eyes to. The people were so friendly and definitely laid back. They can tell you're an American from a mile away but no worries, show them you're not loud and obnoxious and be friendly back. A great atmosphere! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Safety was never a problem. I always felt safe no matter where we went. Our group had a "buddy" system and no one went anywhere alone, but even if that would have been the case there were no threats at all. Our program provided us with emergency contacts throughout our trip so in case of any emergency we were always prepared. There were no health issues/vaccines needed to visit New Zealand or Australia but I recommend getting the flu shot just in case. The local healthcare system was so different. Since we are visitors and staying an extended period we received their health care which meant free care in any emergency or regular basis. Another tip is to always stay hydrated throughout the trip. We were always active and on the go and being hydrated helps keep your head in the game and you're able to get the full experience! |
| 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? | Any type of student would benefit from this program. I would recommend everyone to experience what this trip has to offer. There's so much culture and scenery to take in, and 3.5 weeks is definitely not long enough, but if it was any longer I wouldn't have came back to America. This trip provides adventure, learning, and fun all wrapped into one. I can't even begin to describe how amazing the trip was and it's something I'll be talking about for the rest of my life. And of course it's a life changing experience, I wouldn't have spent my winter break any other way! |
