Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Adventure of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Geography, Miami University) - abroad from 06/20/2015 to 11/13/2015 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Christchurch - University of Canterbury

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad really pushed me out of my comfort zone and left me to really discover who I am as a person. It allowed me to understand and discover not only the culture of New Zealand but also the culture of my peers who were also international students. This experience led me to understand more about where I come from and how I want to live my life in the future. I gained many skills and experiences in outdoor adventure and learned new programs and skills in my lectures that I am excited to take back to my home university. It was completely worthwhile, an incredible adventure that changed my life in all ways for the better. New Zealand is an incredible country that I hope many people have the chance to discover in the future.

Review Photos

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Christchurch - University of Canterbury Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Christchurch - University of Canterbury Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Christchurch - University of Canterbury Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Christchurch - University of Canterbury Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Christchurch - University of Canterbury Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall my educational experience was very positive. I had great professors who really enhanced my experience in learning about New Zealand and everyday life there while producing challenging courses of geography and history. There were many resources at the university that helped me get into the classes I wanted and helped me to understand my schedule.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Ilam apartments allowed you to easily meet other international students and live with Kiwis. It was in a great location that was close to classes, supermarkets, shopping centers, and a bus ride from the city center with a stop on campus.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Through my classes I was able to meet people who helped me feel integrated in New Zealand life and really understand the culture there.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Christchurch is a very safe place, especially by the University. The city's people really do look out for one another.

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)

Food and living costs in New Zealand are generally cheaper than in the United States so living on a student's budget was definitely manageable in Christchurch.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100-150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It is good to budget and track what you are spending on and saving enough for longer trips you may want to do later during your long break or at the end of the semester.

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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Fiji and Auckland Orienation
  • The accessibility of many different people to turn to for help at all steps of the application and arrival process.
  • Orientation leaders were incredible!
* What could be improved?
  • Great Program Overall!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about Christchurch as a city and where it was in its recovery process. I feel like this information may have allowed me to participate more in the city's recovery.

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.