Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

If you're considering NZ, just do it. Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/19/2018 to 06/24/2018 with

University of Canterbury: Christchurch - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I finally felt rested, which I can't ever remember being in my life. It was 100% worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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:

I liked cooking for myself, there were plenty of grocery stores around that were close.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

New Zealand is a beautiful country, with a very relaxed culture and wonderful people. It eases stress which helps you appreciate every part of the study abroad experience more.

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? I spent about $50 on food every week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try and save up as much money as you can beforehand because I needed to dip into my own savings by the end of the program because my college's aid did not realistically cover all the necessary expenses.

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

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Chill
  • Interesting
  • Exploring
* What could be improved?
  • bigger stipend
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The adjustment period is real, if you can go for a year then do a year because once you get there, you'll never want to leave.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'