The Best Decision I Could've Made August 09, 2024
By Jusrin P (Psychology, Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/18/2024 to 06/10/2024 with
The University of Auckland: Auckland - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was 1000% worthwhile, I met some lifelong friends that I am so grateful for. On top of that the growth journey that I had in Auckland, which was my goal, went exactly how I wanted it to go and I am so thankful. However it was more the City of Auckland and the people that I met that made the experience more than the School itself. The Study Abroad Club (SASS) and housing sports competitions were some the few things on campus that were actually great places to meet people and create experiences.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Compared to my home university the structures and course load are very different. There are fewer assignments but each assignment/test is worth more for your overall course grade. Depending on the course that you are taking the rigor can vary but for the most part I found Auckland to be a bit more relaxed in terms of rigor and intensity. There however are resources available if you feel like you need an extra boost in one of your classes and making study groups from the people in your classes (the class sizes are HUGE) are a great way to meet new people and get the support you need. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The study abroad program staff was very easy to reach and very responsive. In terms of academic staff however not as much |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing that I chose (Te Tirohanga) was okay but towards the end of the semester there were quite a few problems with the building and for something that is supposedly quite new it was a bit disappointing. However having my own room (it was small) was nice and I was able to make some really amazing friends through the communal kitchens. |
| * Food: |
There is no dining hall so having to cook for myself was an adjustment but a valuable life skill. Meal prepping is your best friend. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I met more international students than I did Pacific students but If you can take more courses in the Pacific Studies subjects you're more likely to learn more and meet more people who can help you feel integrated. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Super easy and straightforward. While I was attending there was also free STI testing once a month as well. |
| * Safety: |
I felt extremely safe on campus and the city. Obviously there are the streets to avoid but after living there for a month it becomes pretty obvious. Use common sense and Auckland is an incredibly safe city. |
| 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) |
I'd say it was very dependent on travel but living in Auckland - the city itself has a decently high cost of living so being weary of how much you spend outside of necessity would be helpful |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Definitely creating a budget - that is super helpful |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | Budgeting, meal prepping and planning ahead will be your best friends |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
