Adventures in New Zealand December 11, 2023

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Compared to Wellesley, classes were not academically rigorous. Class specific resources included class tutors and tutorial sessions.

On-site administration of your program

The UC study abroad office was very helpful and always responded promptly to emails.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a flat with 4 other people in Sonoda. It was a little isolated from campus, but there was a strong sense of community there. Many students who lived there were also study abroad students. Things were kept relatively clean and I always felt safe.

There were several good restaurants and cafes on campus. I did not have a meal plan while living there and mostly cooked for myself. There were several groceries stores close by and I spent on average $50/week on groceries.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living at Sonoda, I had a great community. However, most students in that community were international or study abroad students. Because our housing was somewhat off the main campus, we were less integrated with the NZ student culture. However, I felt more integrated with the local culture and people in classes (especially with class field trips) and with UC clubs.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any experience with healthcare while there.

I felt very safe while in Christchurch and especially while traveling.

I loved my time in Christchurch and especially the opportunity that I had to travel around the South Island. The best parts of my experience were the adventures I went on with new friends - backpacking trips, sky diving, sunrise polar plunges, rock climbing, day hikes, etc. Additionally, classes and clubs helped me meet local people and class field trips helped me learn more about and engage with local culture. However, my housing was somewhat isolated from campus and the majority of my friends were other study abroad students. I would have liked more of an opportunity to be a part of the local student culture.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It was relatively easy to live on a budget. I spent about $50 per week and sometimes less on groceries. However, the cost of living is a little high and restaurants can be expensive. I found that often my biggest expense of the week was going out with friends to get food or drinks. I was also able to travel on a budget (camping and hitch hiking cut out costs). Transportation around Christchurch is accessible - there is a bus system and with a student Metro card a bus ride costs $1. However, there is not much public transportation outside of Christchurch so getting around the south island inexpensively and without a car can be difficult. There is a bus company called InterCity and a train, but neither are particularly cheap. If you get a rental car, gas is incredibly expensive. The cheapest way to travel I found was hitch hiking which is relatively common in NZ and for the most part always felt safe.

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• Dorm

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• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Location
• Study abroad community
• Opportunity to travel

• More integration with local student culture

The Avid Adventurer