An Unexpected Journey Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 02/09/2017 to 06/25/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that sometimes you just have to step out of your comfort zone to get the most out of an experience

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.

The courses were all very interesting. The professors are very understanding in the material they teach. The courses tended to be a lot harder then the courses at the home university

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Alice was extremely nice and helpful with everything from understanding classes to giving ideas of what to do!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Rooms are big and flat is professionally cleaned bi-weekly

* Food:

Cooked own food. Would have gone to the Mess Hall however it was far from my dorm. The other places to grab food on campus is very good and the market is close to buy 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:

Although you are in a more safe country, there are still crimes that are committed especially theft. Make sure you go with at least one another person into the city and don't be alone after dark.

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

TEAN helped a lot in assisting me an answering my questions when I had any.

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? $45
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Always make sure you have cash on you and only spend money on things you need!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Traveling
  • Flat Mates
  • Local Shops
* What could be improved?
  • Assisting in advance
  • Airport travel
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't take a full course load. Take 2-3 classes so that you are not overwhelmed by the load of the courses and so that you have more time to travel. Also know that the grades differ in other countries

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!