Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

AMAZINGNESS! Past Review

By (English, University of North Dakota) - abroad from 02/08/2014 to 06/29/2014 with

ISA Study Abroad in Christchurch, New Zealand

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Going abroad was the best decision I have made thus far in life. It opened up my world so much and instilled in me so many values that I never would have learned otherwise. I can't wait to keep traveling after graduation!

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

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? Budget more money than you think you need to for extra traveling!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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?
  • Meeting, connecting with, and forming lasting relationships with other students from around the country!
  • The Bridging Cultures Program - a perfect way to acclimate into New Zealand culture and to become comfortable abroad!
  • Affordability - ISA offers scholarships and other opportunities to make studying abroad a feasible option for any college student.
* What could be improved?
  • Maybe more check-ins before departure - a webinar while completing visa information and other questionairres
  • Honestly, not much more that I can think of!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More about packing and being in another country. I know most of it you don't really know until you get there, but just a little more guidance overall!

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.