IES Abroad Auckland Direct Enrollment - University of Auckland : Testimonials (Auckland)
The following program testimonial responses have been selected for publication by Office of International Programs
We want to hear about your experience!
Why did you choose this program?
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In all honesty, it wasn't my first choice. I had heard though, that New Zealand was the adrenaline capital of the world. Not only that, they offered a wide array of classes, all in English, for me to take as well. After that it was an easy decision to apply there. Looking back at my decision, I would have never chose anywhere else. If I could of found a way to stay, I would of.
— Cody Chesneau, Spring 2012 |
What was your favorite aspect of this program?
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It is very hard to pinpoint just one area of the program I liked, as I liked it all. I guess the best aspect of the program I liked is the freedom of what you could do there. The program really doesn't hold you back, but yet encourage you to explore and get out of your comfort zone. Nevertheless, they are very supportive if you need them to be.
— Cody Chesneau, Spring 2012 |
What was your housing situation like?
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I initially was housed with 4 other people in a flat like setting. We had a fully furnished apartment, which was awesome. But, the walk to school and back was rough, and groceries were expensive. Also, the school decided to room all the Americans into the apartments, basically making a big america town. None of us were really happy with that. With about a month left I moved over to International House, and all I can say is what a lifestyle change. The amenities in that residence hall were in all ways superior to the apartments, the residents were diverse and friendly. Cooking was catered, and even the rooms were bigger. I definitely enjoyed my rooming situation more inn the last month than the 5 months before.
— Cody Chesneau, Spring 2012 |
What was your housing situation like?
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I lived in a first year dorm along with other international students
— Kayla Bethea, Fall 2013 |
What was your favorite class and why?
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I have to say Marketing 201 was my favorite. The professor always taught the class, no TA's. She was helpful, but tough on grading, so it made me improve my skills as a test taker. Most of all, she was too funny. I always would leave her class laughing about something. She was effectively able to teach her classes without boring them but getting the information across.
— Cody Chesneau, Spring 2012 |
What did you gain from studying abroad?
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The better question is, what didn't I gain from studying abroad? In all seriousness, I am a completely changed person since going to New Zealand. Most of it is independence. I know now that I can survive and be successful wherever I am in the world; that I don't have to rely on others for help. The best example I can give you is just on a whim deciding to travel to Wellington without any reservations for anything, i.e. rooming, food, tours, etc. I didn't even print out a map. When I got off the plane, I found a bus to take me to the city, found a hostel, food, and sites to see there. I even went on a few tours. Before New Zealand, I wouldn't even of dared to do that, and I would have missed a trip of a lifetime. I also gained lifelong friends and I still communicate to my IES friends as much as I can. We just have experienced so much together, that it is impossible to forget about them. They have that sense of adventure I had, and I definitely admire them for it. I gained the ability to try new things. I ended up joining 8 clubs over there, including the sword fighting club, snowboarding club, and tramping club. It taught me that I can do anything if I put my mind to it and it has opened me up to new possibilities everywhere. Finally, it taught me that I can survive in the worst of situations. Four of my friends and I were trapped on Mt. Ngauruhoe, more commonly known as Mt. Doom from Lord of the Rings, while tramping and had to get heli-rescued off. It has now given me the confidence to know that even in the worse situation I can keep a level head and help others get to safety and survive. That by far is one of the most influential events that happened to me over there, and I am very glad it happened. So in a sense, I have just become an overall better person, and that I recommend everyone to study abroad just as I did.
— Cody Chesneau, Spring 2012 |