Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Easily Life-Changing Past Review

By (The College of William and Mary) - abroad from 02/08/2017 to 06/26/2017 with

IES Abroad: Christchurch Direct Enrollment - University Of Canterbury

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained complete confidence in my ability to take risks and go out on my own and explore. I've gained a new sense of adventure, and I have IES to thank for that.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Christchurch Direct Enrollment - University Of Canterbury Photo IES Abroad: Christchurch Direct Enrollment - University Of Canterbury Photo IES Abroad: Christchurch Direct Enrollment - University Of Canterbury Photo 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? 1 month - 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?

IES Abroad took us on field trips to different cultural locations in New Zealand and Rarotonga, and somehow they never made it feel touristy. The connections they had made us feel like we could learn from a new culture in a welcoming environment.

* 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 loved everything about IES, from how helpful the IES people were, to how incredible the learning opportunities ended up being.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $120

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Cultural genuineness
  • Helpful and friendly staff
  • Keen sense of adventure
* What could be improved?
  • Increased elations with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I had to actively seek out opportunities to build relationships with local Kiwis

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.