Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The beginning of a lifetime of travelling Past Review

By (University of the Pacific) - abroad from 07/04/2013 to 11/14/2013 with

USAC New Zealand: Massey University - Undergraduate and Graduate Courses

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience abroad helped me realize how much I enjoy travelling to new places and it makes me want to travel to other places, to see more of the world. What I experienced in New Zealand is definitely worthwhile.

Review Photos

USAC: New Zealand, Multiple - Massey University Undergraduate Courses Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Housing at Fergusson Hall
  • Structure of classes at Massey University
  • Local people
* What could be improved?
  • There should be USAC-sponsored field trips in Palmerston North.
  • It would be great if airport drop-offs/pick-ups are offered.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? 1. Winter in New Zealand is much colder than winter in California. Bring a lot of layers. 2. Certain things like shampoo and shoes are more expensive in New Zealand. 3. It can be very difficult being away from loved ones.

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.