Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

12/10 would study abroad again Past Review

By (Communication Disorders, Communication Sciences, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 02/19/2018 to 06/25/2018 with

USAC New Zealand: Massey University - Undergraduate and Graduate Courses

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was completely worthwhile. I met some of my best friends and had experiences that will definitely last a lifetime.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

School in New Zealand was very different than what I'm used to in the states. Classes were set at a faster pace. There were little assignments, but the assignments and test that were graded were worth a huge chunk of your grade.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The semester I studied at Massey they were going through updates in their classes registration. Staff was very confused and no one really knew how to work the new system. They were very helpful in adjusting classes and timetables for you and answering any question you needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The on-campus accommodation I stayed at helped me feel at home. It made adjusting to New Zealand a lot easier.

* Food:

I was in a self-catered accommodation, so all the food I ate I made myself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare was extremely easy to access. The local health care system was superior to what is offered through universities back in the states. The practitioners were readily available and there to help answer any questions needed.

* Safety:

There was never a time I felt unsafe my whole time in New Zealand.

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? 50-100 NZD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cheapest accommodation possible when traveling it will be worth it

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?
  • People
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Academic advising
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How different the education system was compared to the US.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.