Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Long Live the Land of the Long White Cloud Past Review

By (Hope College) - abroad from 07/04/0016 to 11/11/0016 with

IES Abroad: Christchurch Direct Enrollment - University Of Canterbury

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile! I learned much more about myself and about the world than the content taught in my courses could have showed me. During breathtaking hikes, I had long moments of silence and reflection. During transiting experiences (that I was not used to because I have always had a car), I became more comfortable traveling alone and much more independent. In the housing arrangements, I had the opportunity to meet great people from all over the world. Don’t get me wrong, my study abroad experience definitely did carry with it some unique challenges, and I’m sure anyone who has studied abroad would say the same, but the tremendous growth in so many areas that I felt far outweighs any difficulties. Studying abroad gave me an enhanced global perspective. It allowed me to reflect on life in America. It showed me that there is much more to the world than what I had previously believed. It also increased my passion for traveling (although this is a difficult passion to manage while a student).

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

Eunice, the program advisor, was absolutely wonderful. She handled everything so well and was always so sweet. She made us so many treats and always had a smiling face.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did a homestay and loved the family that I stayed with.

* Food:

I am not a picky eater, so I naturally loved all the food that I ate.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

When I arrived, I got involved with a local church and really felt engaged with the Kiwi community through that. I still have several friends who live in New Zealand that I would like to visit someday.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues, but I am confident that they would have been handled very well.

* Safety:

Christchurch is a very safe city! So is New Zealand in general. I never had a time when I felt unsafe (except for on some sketchy hikes).

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

If I had studied a foreign language, I probably would have picked a program that would have allowed me to use it. I love the outdoors and wanted to be outside as much as possible, and New Zealand was honestly the best choice for me. If anyone is interested in hiking as much as possible while in an English-speaking environment, New Zealand is the place for them.

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)

Food was slightly more expensive than in the United States, but it was still quite affordable. Public transportation was also very affordable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The homestay that I did included groceries, so that was a great way to save money. Buying groceries and cooking for yourself is certainly cheaper than going out.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The genuine, kind locals I met
  • Beautiful scenery
  • Living in a new culture
* What could be improved?
  • If they were slightly more thorough in the pre-departure information, that would have been helpful.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That IES Abroad does not allow students to drive in New Zealand.

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.'