Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I wish I was a full-time student in NZ Past Review

By (Texas Christian University) - abroad from 07/10/2017 to 11/18/2017 with

IES Abroad: Christchurch Direct Enrollment - University Of Canterbury

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I didn't know anybody when going into the program and left with so so many new friendships, many of which will last forever. I learned to step out of my comfort zone and speak to people you don't know. I became pretty proficient in backpacking and planning travel/hikes.

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.

The professor were all very approachable and resourceful. The courses were not as challenging as those at my home university but I still learned and immense amount of information.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program advisor was like our overseas mom, but not overbearing in the slightest. Don't know what we would have done without her!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Was overpriced for how dated it was.

* Food:

Tons of good restaurants that offer similar dishes to those found in the US. A lot of asian-fusion food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Since I was directly enrolled I felt like I was a normal UC student.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I visited the health center once for a sinus infection and they were super helpful, speedy and worked easily with my international student insurance..

* Safety:

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)

I'm used to how expensive life is in North TX so I spend significantly less while studying in NZ. If you eat out a lot of course you're going to spend a lot but the grocery stores are both 3-10 min walk from campus and have everything you'd need. I traveled almost every weekend and still spent less than I would at home.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Alcohol is crazy expensive.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Proximity to NZ's Southern Alps
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A New Zealand winter is cold.

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.