Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Christchurch: Good Stuff. Past Review

By (Philosophy/Mathematics, University of Rochester) for

IES Abroad: Christchurch Direct Enrollment - University Of Canterbury

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was grateful for the chance to spend an extended period out of America, and am eager to go elsewhere soon.

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

Program Coordinator Eunice McKessar was heroic in her leadership during orientation, field trip, and throughout the semester.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Excellent quality of accommodations, very annoying American neighbors.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Orientation trip was excellent.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Health services and security were easily contacted and on hand.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I spent too much eating out, eating delivery, etc. The fact that I was spending foreign currency somehow made me feel like I wasn't spending "real" money; by the end of the semester my expenses were shot.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply