Best time of my life Past Review

By (University of Maryland - Baltimore County) - abroad from 02/05/2012 to 06/22/2012 with

ISA Study Abroad in Christchurch, New Zealand

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about how to be independent and take care of myself. I feel completely comfortable travelling and living on my own now. This experience was definitely worthwhile.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The week orientation provided by GlobaLinks was amazing, with very passionate and informative staff. However, the staff member at University of Canterbury was not very helpful with inportant questions right when we arrived at the campus, such as where to buy a phone, the closest grocery store, and how to use the bus system. She did plan a few fun events though like seeing a rugby game and going to a ropes course.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The on campus apartments were spacious and clean, the only draw back was that you are living with other study abroad students, not locals.

* Food:

I recommend not getting the meal plan, I barely used it and the food was not that great.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe walking and taking the bus around Christchurch. I walked to the grocery store and home from bars multiple times alone or with one or two other people.

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 bought all of my own groceries, and rarely ate out.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably around $100 give or take depending on that I did
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook your own meals because going to restaurants and eating out is expensive! If you're going to drink while abroad I recommend buying your own alcohol and drinking before because spending money on drinks adds up quickly.

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

  • 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?
  • Week orientation
  • Staff member based at University
  • Booked flight tickets for me/ stop over in Fiji on the way home
* What could be improved?
  • More support at Univversity
  • Planned events with more than one school
  • Help you meet locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Book trips in advance!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.