Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing outdoor experience! Past Review

By (University of Rochester) - abroad from 02/09/2016 to 06/27/2016 with

IES Abroad: Christchurch Direct Enrollment - University Of Canterbury

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that when you're lost, a compass will make yo lost more north. But I also learned that with the right people any experience can be an adventure, no matter where you are.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Eunice is a gem.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

While it was easy to get out and meet kiwis through clubs and classes, returning home every night to a group of Americans was strange. It did make it easy to find people to travel with, but I would have preferred a more international housing experience.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Absolutely - If I had to describe my time in New Zealand in just one sentence, I'd tell you that I probably spent more time using my sleeping bag than my actual bed. With all of the amazing hikes, adventure sports and stunning scenery everywhere you go, it's hard to not to be out there at every possible moment. Christchurch's central location really makes it easy to spend most of your weekends discovering it all. But as much as I loved getting off campus, I think one of the best parts about studying at Canterbury was student life on campus. There was always a variety of things going on, from tramping expeditions to casual barbecues to upscale balls. All the clubs are also extremely inclusive in the sense that you can join anything that interests you, no matter who you are or what experience you have. The best decision I made this semester was getting involved with UCCC, the white water kayaking club at UC. I went into the first kayaking trip not knowing what I was getting myself into, but I'm so glad that I did. UCCC allowed me to meet some of the funniest and most helpful people around, while learning a challenging and exciting new sport in the process. Everything about the trips, from kayaking down insane rapids to the banter around the campfire, was absolutely fantastic.

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)

I would spend about $75 a week on groceries and $50 on gas to travel around. Camping is usually free or $7 so that wasn't much of a concern.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Open up a bank account in NZ - it makes life a lot easier especially if you join any clubs that go on regular trips

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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
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?
  • Student clubs
  • Outdoors
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I learned that I'm extremely independent - once I had made my own friends from uni I didn't like being forced to go to meetings with the other Americans at IES.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'