Canterbury: Not all those who wander are lost. Past Review
By Colleen B (English Education, Illinois State University) for
University of Canterbury: Christchurch - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I am more independent and confident than I was before Europe. I traveled to several countries on my own, and it allowed me time and space to depend on myself. It also helped me learn how to interact with all kinds of people, from different cultures and different languages.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | n/a |
| 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. |
The grading system and work was different, but once I got used to it, it was good and manageable. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Canterbury is slow, but that is just a part of the city and/or university. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was very comfortable. I would have appreciated the heat being turned on earlier, but it was okay. |
| * Food: |
British food is sublime. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Bath/Oxford trip was wonderful. I think that Canterbury should take more trips that are overnight (and not just one day). I traveled a lot on my own, so my favorite parts were going to Spain and Ireland. In Canterbury, they have a lot of festivals that were entertaining. In October, they have a music/arts festival for a week that was absolutely awesome. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I never got sick or felt unsafe or insecure. Canterbury is a small town, so there wasn't a lot of opportunity to feel unsafe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
|
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? | about $60 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Have a budget, and stick to it! |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
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 |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A younger student just looking to complete some general ed. courses would be perfect for Canterbury. If you are looking for more of an adventure or someplace a little bigger, Canterbury might not be the place to go. |
