Take a chance on New Zealand Past Review

By (Economics, Wellesley College) - abroad from 07/05/2015 to 11/16/2015 with

University of Canterbury: Christchurch - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned some independence, to respect the privileges we are given, and how to just enjoy the world around me. It 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.

The professors I had were excellent. All were very invested in their subjects and eager for students to learn the material. The academics were lesser than those compared to my home university as far as intensity, but University of Canterbury did an excellent job making the material interesting for students! I found that I was invested in each class and didn't just memorize but learned the material.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The study abroad administrator Anna Foster was excellent. Her staff provided a welcoming environment and helped with anything the students needed. Very approachable and easy to work with. She fixed any problem we had efficiently.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed at Ilam Apartments which were wonderful. They were right across the street from the uni and a central location to a great shopping center/movie theater, bars, and grocery stores. The flat was clean and many study abroad students lived there as well as locals. The staff there was great and very helpful.

* Food:

I didn't eat out much because of the expense, but the grocery store was well stocked, easily accessible, and well priced. When I did eat out, the food was always great!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I traveled a lot around the island and stayed with a few locals. They were always kind and ready to help. By the end of my semester, I felt like I was a part of the community and understood their culture better. The Maori (indigenous people) were very interesting and willing to share their culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health problems except a cold, but studentsafe insurance came with my direct enrollment through Wellesley College and that covered the cost of a few doctor's visits.

* Safety:

The area around campus is very safe. Nothing to worry about. Christchurch (the city closest to campus) was also very safe. Police are friendly and there to help.

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 did pretty well. Spent about $75 on groceries per week. My only complaint is that the alcohol was very expensive so be smart about spending money at bars. Go on a night where there are deals on drinks.

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? Allocate money for your groceries, do not go out to eat that much, but don't be stingy either. You are abroad so spend the money on the experience.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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?
  • People
  • Location
  • Tourism
* What could be improved?
  • Communication
  • Administration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You do not need as many clothes as you think you do. Pack light!

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.