Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best four months of my life! Past Review

By (University of New Hampshire) - abroad from 02/08/2016 to 06/24/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Worthwhile is an understatement when describing my time abroad. Although it may sound cliche, I absolutely feel like I grew and changed as a person during my time abroad. I came back to the US more confident, cultured, and with a new outlook on life. Traveling through TEAN allowed me to make friends, see incredible sights, and make unforgettable memories. If I could do it all over again, I would choose TEAN every time.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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:

I always felt safe in Christchurch and New Zealand in general!

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

Having the opportunity to study abroad was inexplicable, and a majority of that was thanks to TEAN. TEAN made every step of the process clear and easy, which allowed me to focus on what really mattered- making the most of my time abroad.

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)

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? Check to see if your grocery store has a discount/rewards card- I ended up getting two! Also, ask fellow students if you need to borrow equipment before going ahead and buying it.

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
  • 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?
  • I made incredible friends!
  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Extremely helpful information regarding all aspects of the study abroad process, from applying to choosing destinations to travel to while abroad.
* What could be improved?
  • nothing at all!
  • TEAN was great!
  • I would choose TEAN over and over again!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have relaxed more from the start. TEAN had helped me every step of the way leading up to my departure and then some, but like most students I was still worried about meeting people and being away from home. But from the second my program started, I had the opportunity to make amazing friends and memories!

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!