Absolutely Amazing! Past Review

By (COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES., Wellesley College) - abroad from 07/14/2014 to 11/17/2014 with

University of Canterbury: Christchurch - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Reflecting, there are no negative things that come to mind. Especially coming from Wellesley, I learned that there really is more to life than getting that grade or being in as many orgs as possible. It is absolutely worthwhile to get out into the world and experience new things. I learned to respect what I want out of life, and of course I enjoyed the more relaxed atmosphere. It allows you to experience the country and pick up new hobbies if you so wish. I love having friends all over the world, and being able to live around the people I met for an extended period of time definitely strengthened my connections with NZ and those people. I will surely be back.

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.

Academics are insanely relaxed compared to Wellesley. I enjoyed this structure as it allowed me to have more self directed learning and leeway to travel and experience the country. Courses past the first year are mostly assessed through tests and major assignments, not daily homework.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Direct exchange with UC. Really easy to contact and visit the offices for help. My advisor for CS was wonderful. They were really happy to help at the beginning and hosted international teas. The students in Ilam apartments were very welcoming of internationals and I felt very integrated.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I took a star away because I ended up with not ideal roommates. All girls from America. There was a mix up at the beginning and my room was changed out of the flat I requested. Other than that, I loved living in a flat with a room to myself. Shared fridge in the kitchen was SMALL but I enjoyed cooking for myself and in general the feeling of living off campus but being about a ten minute walk from my classes.

* Food:

Cooked for myself, so I chose what I ate. Food in chch (nz in general) is beyond expensive, so I would be wary of that. Places like pack n save and countdown are more reasonable. New World is more high end. There is food on campus in the student center that you can purchase - Greek, burgers, snacks, coffee shops.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I lived with ask Americans. Bad luck. Other than that I made lots of local friends through classes and social gatherings around student living areas. Ilam and other nearby flats. I didn't have trouble meeting super nice and fun people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was sick for about two months when I first arrived. Freshers flu like deal. Health services was super easy to visit and there is a pharmacy on campus.

* Safety:

I don't remember feeling unsafe. Definitely safe to walk around campus and the surrounding ares. I walked in a group from town back to campus once and never felt threatened.

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)

Christchurch is very expensive. All of new Zealand is. I would say you can get by with $100 a week. Expect parties to be BYOB and expect that to be crazy expensive if you wish to partake.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? make a friend who has a still if you want to save for BYOB. Shop at pack n save or countdown. Don't plan on having to buy major purchases while there. Even the price of notebooks will shock you. Shop at thrift stores if you need coats or clothes. Trade me is the eBay of NZ and could come in handy.

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • social life and friends
  • beautiful scenery, adventures
  • lack of mountain of homework
* What could be improved?
  • internet was hard to get the first few days
  • the city is rebuilding from the earthquake, so if yiu are dead set on city life, you won't get that
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I was actually a little put off by the lack of city due to the earthquake, but in all honesty it was more than fun to hang out with people and go places without a downtown. There are plenty of shops and restaurants, and when in NZ you should be visiting the beautiful mountains and beaches anyway! Lots of people are very active and love take trips. It really is what you make of it. You should have any trouble finding something to do on and around a college campus.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A 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.