New Zealand: World class adventure in a world class country Past Review
By Hope B (Environmental Studies/Sociology, Western State College of Colorado) for
ISA Study Abroad in Auckland, New Zealand
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 at AUT was less compared to the workload at Western State although classes or papers as they are called in New Zealand were longer. for example, I had class Mondays and Wednesdays, each class was 1 day a week and it lasted 2 hours with a 1 hour tutorial. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our advisor was wonderful. He was very helpful in assisting us with signing up with the proper classes once we arrived in New Zealand. He also knew us all by name and was very friendly. He was a great advisor. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Wellsey Student Apartments (WSA) was a great place to live. Queen street (resturants, nighlife etc.) was all down the street. The walk was easy but buses were also frequent and easy to catch. The apartment came equipped with kitchen supplies and we were given pillows, sheets, and a duvet. The rooms also had a desk and a closet. I did not have to purchase much housing stuff besides cleaning supplies, tolietries, etc. |
* Food: |
The food in New Zealand is amazing. There are many different options. I really enjoyed aoili and they do not use ketchup there, they use tomato sauce which takes some getting used to. They have different names for foods that we are used to, but it is easy to understand. Kebabs are amazing as well as korean pancakes. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My friends and I rented cars and traveled almost every weekend. AUT also had alot of fun events going on as well as different things in Auckland. Bungee Jumping is a must as well as visiting the sky tower. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
I went to the doctor once for a cold and it was very easy and accessible. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Other Program Information
* 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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Outgoing students will love New Zealand. there is so much fun and exciting stuff to do there! bungee jumping, sky diving, zorbing, the list goes on and on. |