Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Crusading Christchurch Past Review

By (Communication and Media Studies, Green Mountain College) - abroad from 02/05/2015 to 12/30/2015 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Christchurch - University of Canterbury

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so many new friends that I intended to keep for a long time. I learned how to roll with whatever life throws at you. I learned that things will not always go exactly as planned and that is completely okay, but working through it will make you smarter and stronger. I gained knowledge on how to communicate with people who you are much different than myself. And finally I gained confidence in every aspect of my life.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There was an advisor in our city, but we only met up a few times. I never really needed her, but it was nice to have the peace of mind that there was someone there if I did need something.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living in Ilam Village. It had a great community feel and I made amazing friends through living there.

* Food:

I had to provide food for myself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The student health center on campus was very helpful when I got sick. They were nice and saw me right away.

* 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)

Things are typically more expensive in New Zealand than in the States. Save money before coming for things like drinks, going out to eat, and transportation.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $70USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan your side trips in advanced. There are many opportunities for cheap transportation if you book well in advanced.

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
  • 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?
  • Pre Semester excursion to Fiji
  • Housing
  • not everyone in the program goes to the same uni, so you have free places to crash when you are in another city.
* What could be improved?
  • more excisions throughout the semester with the program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? nothing. The Education Abroad Network prepared me for everything.

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.