Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Best Place in the World to Study Abroad Past Review

By (Gustavus Adolphus College) - abroad from 07/04/2016 to 11/11/2016 with

IES Abroad: Christchurch Direct Enrollment - University Of Canterbury

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about myself; I became more self-confident. And of course, I gained a lot of friendships, and learning more about a new country and culture.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Christchurch Direct Enrollment - University Of Canterbury Photo IES Abroad: Christchurch Direct Enrollment - University Of Canterbury Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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

I had such an incredible time in Christchurch, I can't wait to get back there!!

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 didn't eat out very often - I utilized the kitchen in my apartment, usually spending $50-75NZD/week on groceries

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Less than $75NZD, unless I was going on a trip

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
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Freedom
  • Eunice - the program director
  • Christchurch
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you're going to New Zealand in a US Fall Semester, it'll be spring there - but don't think that it'll warm up soon, it stays chilly for 3 months before really warming up!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.