Life-changing! Past Review
By Maxwell R (Engineering Science., Trinity University) - abroad from 02/07/2012 to 06/27/2012 with
IFSA: Christchurch - University of Canterbury
Life is short. Go for it. It was absolutely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Just the right amount. I learned quite a bit, but I wasn't forced to study ridiculous amounts. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Adequate |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Very nice. Flats are a great way to meet people. It's great to have your own room. |
| * Food: |
It was pretty good. I did most of my own cooking, however. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Ilam Apartments is essentially all Americans. You'll have to get out a bit to see it, but there are plenty of opportunities to get to take part in cultural events. Go tramping! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never had to use it. |
| * Safety: |
They took great care of us. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
I lived extremely cheaply, and had fun doing it. Communal meals with the other Americans helped out tremendously! |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $70 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook your own food. Go to the farmer's market on Riccarton. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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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? | How quickly the semester passes! |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
