Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Outdoor Adventures Past Review

By (English/Political Science, Hope College) - abroad from 07/01/2013 to 10/12/2013 with

IES Abroad: Christchurch Direct Enrollment - University Of Canterbury

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained confidence, and was able to explore my personal and academic interests further.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Christchurch - University of Canterbury Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The director of the program in Christchurch is the sweetest lady. I felt very supported.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment and I really enjoyed it.

* Food:

The food was great, healthier than American food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The transition was culturally very seamless.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe.

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 including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Rigorous budgeting is a good idea, so your money goes farther.

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

  • Local 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?
  • Hiking in Abel Tasman
  • Getting to know local students
  • Going to the Cook Islands
* What could be improved?
  • Transportation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There isn't easily accessible wifi like there is in the US. I would go to Christcurch all over again if I could.

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.