Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying Abroad in New Zealand was the best experience! Past Review

By (Business Administration, Birmingham-Southern College) for

WorldStrides Study Abroad in Dunedin, New Zealand

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I realized a lot about the world and other people, also myself. It has made me realized and see the different cultures and how other people live their lives.

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.

The workload was not nearly as much my university at home. We only had about 3 projects/assignments due throughout the semester, but were worth a lot more points so I really had to make sure I did well on them. The exams were worth about 50-60% of your grade, therefore I had to study about 3 weeks in advance.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I was very pleased with The Education Abroad Network. The program was quite small, which I really liked because I got a chance to talk to and get to know everyone better. We had a someone from New Zealand, who works with TEAN, teaching us everything about her culture. TEAN was very organized and I loved the staff!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a 6 bedroom flat, about a 5 minute walk to campus and about a 15 minute walk to the nightlife in Dunedin. It was in a really good location and was down the street from many international students. They Uni-flats office had bed packages for us when we got there.

* Food:

By food at the grocery store to cook - it is way cheaper.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Rugby games, dinners, touring the city, going to museums, going to Fiji before New Zealand, white water rafting, zorbing

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe in New Zealand and had no accidents while abroad. My friends that did have accidents had no problems getting aid.

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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Local Students
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The staff, the activities, and all of my friends in the program.
* What could be improved?
  • Maybe do some more cultural events throughout the semester.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Someone who is open minded and willing to experience new things.