Semester on the South Island Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

At the University of Canterbury, I was able to take a variety of classes that I wouldn't be able to take at my smaller college back home. I found that I didn't have as much work to keep me busy at home so sometimes I found myself unsure of how to spend my time. However, this did mean that you had more time to explore Christchurch and to travel around New Zealand! I would definitely recommend taking classes that you wouldn't be able to take at home, those that really explore the culture of the country. I enjoyed my New Zealand and Maori culture and history classes and my Antarctic Studies class - all unique to New Zealand and Christchurch! I may not have felt as challenged throughout the entire semester, but I really enjoyed all of the unique classes I had the opportunity to take.

On-site administration of your program

The IES staff in Christchurch were incredible. Eunice, the director, is one of the nicest, funniest people I know. She's always around to answer questions or help you pick out classes, find your way around the city, etc. The group meetings with her were always fun and she goes out of her way to make sure everyone is accommodated. The IES staff in Christchurch were great and provided guidance and help but didn't tie you down to anything which was nice and allowed for more branching out and independence.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments that we lived in were nice with big, spacious rooms. The kitchens were slightly small and without real ovens, but it was easy to make that work. The only issue I had was that we live in international housing. I didn't have any kiwi flatmates and a lot of us had other flatmates also from the US. I got along great with my flatmates, but it would've been fun and I think easier to be immersed in the culture if the housing wasn't strictly international students. Because there were so many Americans around, it felt like I was still at school in the States.

Living in the apartments, you are in charge of your own food. It can be pricey shopping for yourself every week, so I'd recommend trying to cook together with your flatmates. Countdown and New World are just down the road and both have sales all the time - so keep a look out for those! Overall, food was up to you.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I definitely got to know a lot of locals through volunteering in the community and joining clubs. I volunteered at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and that was where I met and got to know locals the best. If there is somewhere in the community where you would be interested in volunteering, pursue it, it's a lot of fun and you'll learn so much from the people who work there!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues during my semester.

There were no times during the semester when I didn't feel safe. All of my experiences in Christchurch gave me the impression that it is a very safe city and I never had any issues. The whole country is very safe as well. I did a bit of solo travel and never felt uneasy.

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

I tried to spend no more than $50 USD a week, which is maybe $65 NZD. If you plan out what you're spending on, it shouldn't be a problem. Other than food, travel costs aren't too expensive. Hostels are cheap and there is always camping!

Select all that apply

• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Location
• Friendliness of locals

• Consider allowing students to drive (easier than booking scheduled buses)

The Avid Adventurer