Program Reviews

This was by far the best experience of my life. Kiwis are the friendliest people around and were amazing hosts. New Zealand is an amazing country and Dunedin was a wonderful place to live for 6 months.

I actually had to take my GRE Chemistry Subject test in Christchurch. I had been sick for the last few weeks and had injured my ribs severely from coughing. I bused to CC from Dunedin (~5 hrs) and then hiked to my hostel in the rain and dark with my sleeping bag strapped to my backpack. After getting lost and stopping in a liquor store to utilize google maps on their computer, I arrived at my hostel. I curled up on a couch in the TV room and got in a little bit of last minute studying and then miserably went to bed. I woke up the next morning with only an hour before my exam was set to begin. I don't think I've ever lept out of bed so fast. I had planned to have a nice morning stroll to the nearby University of Canterbury (about 30 min.) before beginning my exam to clear my head. Instead I called a taxi from my emergency NZ cell phone and when I told the driver my situation, she got me to campus as fast as she could. My usually organized self then realized that the woman in charge of proctoring the test had not gotten back to me on the exact location of the testing center on campus. I wandered around the university in a mild panic until I found the University Police office. The kind security officers at the University of Cambridge knew exactly where my text was supposed to occur and gave me a ride. All of my worry was for nothing as even though I arrived past time for the test to begin, neither the proctor nor the other students had arrived. They were all late too! In the end, I made it to and through my three hour exam. What a day!

I absolutely loved Dunedin with its small town feel. The flat support system was extremely accommodating and having my own room was amazing. I must advise that those who are interested to pack warmly and be prepared for four season weather in a single day!

It was amazing to take a paper about the Maori performing arts which really allowed me to delve deeper and learn about the culture in a hands-on way with a practicum component to supplement the lecture. I would highly recommend studying at the University of Otago to anyone interested in selecting a place that is inspiring and beautiful beyond words.

At some point after the semester, Kilian (my German travel partner) and I found ourselves working on a dairy farm. Around the dinner table one night the farmer told us about a Christian "cult" nearby (we were on the west coast of NZ's south island). He described it in such a fanciful way, we had to call his bluff. I found the GloriaVale website, called them and asked if we could come see the place. They said "sure!" as I had expected.

When we got there, it was something out of a movie. Everyone wore blue. The men and boys built things, the women and girls cooked and cleaned. Each family had an average of 12 children and people married ages 13-16. This place apparently had the fastest growing population in the world. The 86 year old man that was showing us around the complex, filling our heads with propoganda, and telling stories of how he founded the community, turned out to be The Cooper. If you look up media around Gloriavale you will read about the cult leader that went to jail for molesting children maybe? that was the guy showing us around...

I did not enjoy attending the University of Otago. First off, the city of Dunedin itself is a complete college party town. There is no effort to keep the campus or surrounding neighborhoods clean and orderly, with broken glass and empty alcohol bottles littering the roads and sidewalks. The students have had no alcohol safety education, and therefore it was not rare to see someone passed out on the sidewalk or getting sick, and their friends or companions would be on their phones disinterested or even laughing at them. Secondly, the classes were uninspiring and offered no unique perspectives on the subject matter. The school is advertised as an eclectic and beautiful campus, but neither is true. There is little to no music program, and very few opportunities on campus. New Zealand itself was beautiful, but I would not recommend Dunedin or the University of Otago.

Studying abroad was by far my best college experience. I had a blast at Otago! I loved studying in Dunedin because it was like a complete 180 from going to school in Los Angeles. The people were so great and I made so many great friends. New Zealand is the best!

Being a pre-health student with a demanding course-load, I didn't think it would be possible to go abroad for 6 months and graduate on time. I applied to the program in Otago at the very last minute and when I got in I was relieved I had gone through with it! It has been over a year since I left for NZ now and I still scroll through my phone on a daily basis to reminisce about the breathtaking scenery I documented. There are plenty hikes offering physical and mental challenges, as well as beginner hikes for all levels. The rolling green hills, the many near-by beaches filled with sea lions, and the small friendly city I will never forget are just a few things that will never leave you after your adventure. As for the nightlife, it could not have been any better! Whether you like to club or just sit in a bar and get a nice fresh beer you will not be disappointed. There are many brewery's to tour and "bring your own bottle" restaurants to enjoy with new friends. Although the academic piece of my trip never really crossed my mind as I packed for my 6 month adventure, such a large university offers a plethora of subjects and levels and I was able to take an upper level nutrition class even though I did not have the pre-requisites because I met with the department head. The professors were very friendly and willing to help just as they are at my school back home. I really can't put into words how incredible my time was in Dunedin. I would not change a thing about my trip or choose to go to any other city. What I would give to have another happy, feel-good, inspiring trip such as this one!

Studying abroad at the University of Otago was an experience I'll be telling my children about. Every day the walk to class is beautiful, the people are friendly, and you feel safe everywhere. There is no shortage of parties to attend so you'll always be meeting people and having fun. Studying there is making me want to take a year off after school and teach English abroad so I can see more of the world. New Zealand is awesome!

Every day was an adventure! I met absolutely amazing people that still play huge parts in my life now, two years later. Loved the ecology courses that I took! Be prepared for the houses to be a bit cold, and to make memories that last a lifetime.