Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Self-Proclaimed Northern-boy Loves the South Past Review

By (Gustavus Adolphus College) - abroad from 07/08/2018 to 11/15/2018 with

IES Abroad: Christchurch Direct Enrollment - University Of Canterbury

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be more independent; especially when I travelled by myself. I learned how to engage with other cultures and peoples. I also think that through studying abroad I gained a greater appreciation of how connected the world is.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

courses were about the same difficulty as the classes I have taken in the US. However, the grading scale was slightly easier, as it was shifted down slightly. For example an "A-" in the US was a grade range from about 90-94% while in New Zealand it was 80-85%. Additionally, there were not a lot of assessments throughout the semester--final grades were heavily dependent on Final papers or exams.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a flat and got along great with my flatmates, but I know some other people in my program didn't have the same good fortune. There was a decent amount of space in the flat, but my one complaint is that the kitchen appliances (stove, microwave oven) could use an update as they're pretty old.

* 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

New Zealand is such a beautiful country, full of amazing scenery and kind people. I would love to go back and explore even more, and make even more connections with kiwis.

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)

Food was a little expensive in New Zealand

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $110

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
  • 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?
  • mid-semester break trip to Rarotonga
  • location within New Zealand
  • The staff were very helpful and friendly
* What could be improved?
  • Perhaps more options for housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring more camping/ hiking gear, as it got somewhat expensive to continually rent gear

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!