Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Adventure and inspiration in New Zealand Past Review

By (Ithaca College) - abroad from 07/04/2016 to 11/11/2016 with

IES Abroad: Christchurch Direct Enrollment - University Of Canterbury

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was incredibly worthwhile. I gained a heighten ability to move through life at my own pace, I found a sense of direction regarding plans for the future, and I continued to absorb the beauty that our world posses.

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.

My classes were very interesting and enjoyable. However, compared to my home institution the academic rigor and intensity was low.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Best fish and chips I've ever had!

* 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

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? $80 on food $70 weekend trips
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? putting together your own trips will usually be cheeper than tours.

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
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • The spring break trip
  • Peace of mind
  • Freedom to explore on my own
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? food & the cost of living is more expensive, and even though staying beyond the semester end seems like a huge time commitment it'll be worth it and take advantage of where you are in the world.

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.