Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

10/10 Would Go Back Past Review

By (University of Rochester) - abroad from 07/10/2017 to 11/16/2017 with

IES Abroad: Christchurch Direct Enrollment - University Of Canterbury

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be an independent person in the world, and how to navigate life without anyone really holding my hand!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My classes were easier than the ones in America, and the grading system is MUCH friendlier to students than at my home University.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Eunice was absolutely amazing and helped all of us out so much.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments were very, very nice, and all close to campus.

* Food:

It was nice to have a full kitchen and to be able to cook for myself

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any issues.

* Safety:

The safest city I have ever been in.

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

I loved the program, and it helped me grow as an individual. I wouldn't trade the experience in for anything!

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? 150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Work for the summer before you go abroad! Save as much as you can.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • I enjoyed the freedom it allowed us to explore and figure things out on our own.
* What could be improved?
  • I wish Christchurch was a little more lively, but they are still building back up since the 2011 earthquake
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew a bit more about places to visit in New Zealand. I definitely should've made a bucket list.

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.