Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Little Corner of the World Past Review

By (Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 07/10/2017 to 11/17/2017 with

IES Abroad: Christchurch Direct Enrollment - University Of Canterbury

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
As cliche as it may be, I learned to seize the day. Each day in New Zealand, I felt like I needed to go out and explore and just make the most of the day. Being so blessed to have the opportunity to study in such a beautiful country, I knew that I should not take any day for granted.

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.

Lots of flexibility at the University. Must keep up with studies since mostly big papers and exams are required, and very little small assignments.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Great program director. Eunice is so genuinely sweet and caring for each and every one of her students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great place to meet people from all over the world. I lived with 2 Kiwis, 1 American, and 1 French.

* Food:

Nothing too shocking. Foods are healthier and more natural. Restaurant foods can get pricey.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was easy to get caught up with hanging out with only people from your program, but university clubs can help out.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not get sick or have to go to the hospital but from my friends' experience, our program director was very helpful in pointing them to the right direction.

* Safety:

I felt safe 100% of the time. I am a paranoid person about safety usually but I did not feel like my safety was threatened at all.

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

Our program director Eunice is such an amazing and sweet person. She made sure that we adjusted to our new country very well. We could go to her for any questions and tips for our time abroad. New Zealand has so many hidden wonders and can be found almost anywhere in the country. The mountains and the beach are only about a 40-minute bus ride. University of Canterbury is a beautiful campus and the professors are very approachable and understanding. Class sizes are fairly small and we take classes with Kiwis along with other international students.

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)

Groceries were relatively cheap. I just wanted to travel around so I spent most of my money on that.

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? Travel with a group. Limit eating out at restaurants.

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

  • 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?
  • beautiful country
  • program director
  • campus
* What could be improved?
  • field trip itinerary
  • rules about driving
  • figuring out classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had a more concrete list of places I wanted to travel to and that I had saved up money to get to those places and have a little bit more flexibility while traveling.

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.