Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Greatest six months of my life Past Review

By (Fordham University) - abroad from 07/08/2013 to 10/31/2013 with

IES Abroad: Christchurch Direct Enrollment - University Of Canterbury

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Became more opened minded and got a better understanding of how the world works.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Made Christchurch more adaptable for everyone.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Made some good friends.

* Food:

Expensive if eating out. Groceries can also be expensive as well.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Alot of opportunities to merge with the culture of New Zealand.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Extremely safe no matter what time of day it was.

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)

not that cheap to live the life.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 65-75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Always buy in bulk and when items are on sale.

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
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The program director
  • The activities
  • Easy going
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to budget better.

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.'