Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

What a trip Past Review

By (Texas Lutheran University) - abroad from 07/04/2015 to 07/04/2016 with

IFSA: Christchurch - University of Canterbury

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I just learned so much about myself and others that it was given me so much faith and strength.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I absolutely loved the University of Canterbury in Christchurch. I found the classes not only to be inspirational but extremely professional. The teachers expectations are high but it is well worth the amount of knowledge ones gains. The resources are fantastic as well. I absolutely loved the library which is about 11 floors all divided into different sections, which gave me a perfect place to study. Overall, I felt that it was also wonderful to meet students from all around the world as well as to make great and long lasting connections.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The IFSA Butler program has a very close knit administration abroad,in my case New Zealand, allowing for their study abroad students to feel as if they are apart of a big family.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was very nice, with a corner store and a laundry matt at the apartments. Pretty much everything you need. There many parties!

* Food:

The University of Canterbury has great food! Different options from very cheap student meals to even a higher end cafe with even pot roast and fancy meals and bar. There are also many cafes around the campus so that is a huge plus!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I absolutely loved this school for how integrated it felt. I met so many different types of students that it really broadened my perspective.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Last semester I became super sick and I was so impressed by the health office at the university. Right away they saw me and were able to diagnose my sickness. They were so kind and so helpful even with the slightest medical doubts I had.

* Safety:

I felt like the city is pretty safe. I never felt strange walking home.

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

I just love how much this program communicated with me, even though at times it was hard for me to communicate with them, they still managed to keep me very close under their wing. You can tell they really love and care about their students.

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? 100-200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I found it sometimes cheaper to buy groceries in smaller amounts rather than larger amounts.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
* 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?
  • love
  • care
  • organization and opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • I really think the program is fantastic
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do not overpack...when you come back home it is extremely difficult to bring back several luggages or sports equipment.

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.