Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Unfortgetable Adventure! When Can I Go Back? Past Review

By (Biology, Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/16/2015 to 06/29/2015 with

University of Canterbury: Christchurch - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about this country, it's people, and it's landscape. I challenged myself in ways I never had the chance to before and it was absolutely worth it. I wouldn't have changed anything about my trip. I am so glad I tried new things and met so many amazing people, American and local. The people and the adventures made such an amazing study abroad experience.

Review Photos

University of Canterbury: Christchurch - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Canterbury: Christchurch - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Canterbury: Christchurch - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Canterbury: Christchurch - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Canterbury: Christchurch - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

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.

Academically not as rigorous as Wellesley College, especially for the humanities courses I took while abroad (history and cultural courses); however, the biology courses I took were just as rigorous if not a little less than those at Wellesley. The main difference is the amount of work given is far less than that at Wellesley, but the expectations are equally as high.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Always had programs going on to bring the community together. Not always present, but were excellent!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great view in Ilam Apartments, but that's if you're lucky.

* Food:

Meat pies are a must in New Zealand and on campus they are very much a staple, but in Ilam you cook your own meals.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Advice: Get out there and join clubs! Even think about renting a flat rather than staying on campus. You might save money and are more likely to have Kiwi roommates!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Never an issue, but they have great health insurance policies.

* Safety:

Almost always felt safe. You may feel unsafe walking back late at night after visiting friends in their flats, but never on campus. This was when you walked around the city. Try to find someone who has a car or a kiwi that might drive you.

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)

If you look you can find cheap food, but produce is particularly expensive. However, there's a farmer's market every Sunday in Christchurch that is absolutely worth it and the campus has a community garden where you can get some fruits and veggies. Also, there is fantastic COOP on campus that provides fruits and veggies for $12 NZD per week! Huge deal over there, definitely recommend.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Look into getting bus passes and finding ways to travel cheaply. Depending on where you go and how you spend your time there you can manage a pretty cheap trip.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • 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?
  • Location (easy access to many South Island locations)
  • Large campus made it very diverse and easy to connect with people
  • Flat life; truly living on your own and making your own decisions. A little glimpse into what life would be like after graduation, without the wonderful vacation experiences.
* What could be improved?
  • I wish it was more affordable, but that's just the way it is.
  • To be able to stay longer.
  • More time to travel around the country.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had saved a little more money for my return home. Coming back was really difficult because it's a much shorter summer and there isn't a lot of time to find work or an internship. So think about what semester you choose to study abroad. Also, our Spring semester in NZ the university has a month-long break! Very easy to travel around and take advantage of all that time!!

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.