Self-Proclaimed Northern-boy Loves the South Past Review
By Lucas Tomhave (Gustavus Adolphus College) - abroad from 07/08/2018 to 11/15/2018 with
IES Abroad: Christchurch Direct Enrollment - University Of Canterbury
I learned how to be more independent; especially when I travelled by myself. I learned how to engage with other cultures and peoples. I also think that through studying abroad I gained a greater appreciation of how connected the world is.
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. |
courses were about the same difficulty as the classes I have taken in the US. However, the grading scale was slightly easier, as it was shifted down slightly. For example an "A-" in the US was a grade range from about 90-94% while in New Zealand it was 80-85%. Additionally, there were not a lot of assessments throughout the semester--final grades were heavily dependent on Final papers or exams. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a flat and got along great with my flatmates, but I know some other people in my program didn't have the same good fortune. There was a decent amount of space in the flat, but my one complaint is that the kitchen appliances (stove, microwave oven) could use an update as they're pretty old. |
* Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
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If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
New Zealand is such a beautiful country, full of amazing scenery and kind people. I would love to go back and explore even more, and make even more connections with kiwis. |
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 a little expensive in New Zealand |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $110 |
Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Bring more camping/ hiking gear, as it got somewhat expensive to continually rent gear |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |