IES Abroad - New Zealand

My semester at the University of Auckland through IES was the best semester of my university expierence. Being directly enrolled into the University is definitely the way to go if you want a true Kiwi experience. It´s so interesting to experience university life in another country. I lived in the international house and met people from all over the world as well as tons of Kiwis. I fell in love with the beauty of the country and the kindness of the people. It´s so easy to travel independently and the IES trips are amazing! If you´re thinking of going for a full year I would suggest going in the spring semester and then the fall semester, that way you can start the year off with all the new students!! IES is so helpful and gives you great information before you you can even ask the questions! I would recommend IES and New Zealand to every student looking to go abroad!!

I knew I wanted to study abroad with IES because of the programs they offered: orientation, field trips, and on departing the country. My study abroad experience was truly the best I could have asked for. Christchurch is a great city as it serves as the "central hub" in the south island, so there are lots of opportunities to travel not only around the south island, but the north island as well. Over our three week break, IES set up a field trip to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, and it was so remarkable. Not only was it a totally new cultural experience, but we also had time for snorkeling, and much more. IES was everything I wanted out of my study abroad program, and I recommend it to any and all of my friends who are thinking about studying abroad, especially in New Zealand!

An absolutely AMAZING program and experience.... Christchurch is a wonderful city to study in, especially if you are planning on exploring the South Island. It's a fun little place... the downtown area is fun to explore and easy to get around.

Really enjoyed the classes... actually learned a lot and were some of the best classes I've taken in college. I only took 3... 2 Geography classes and 1 Geology class... NZ is the perfect place to study those subject!

If you have the opportunity, travel as much as you can... there is really no place like NZ, amazing places, food, people, and experiences I will never forget!!

IES' program was awesome, it was a great size, the staff in both NZ and the US are amazing and so helpful!! Overall, such a great experience!

I absolutely loved the program and the way in which IES organized our housing (even if there were concerns, they were resolved promptly and follow-up was conducted in a timely manner), holiday break, and orientation. New Zealand is a wonderful country and travel is quite simple, enjoyable, and encouraged! The IES program coordinator in Auckland was wonderful and always very welcoming! I quite enjoyed the semester abroad and loved the IES program. One possible improvement would be integration of homestay students with those in the apartments and other living arrangements.

I did the Christchurch program for the fall of 2007 and had the time of my life. Our program director was so nice, accessible, and helpful and really helped create a sense of family within our group. I loved the trips organized by IES and felt everything was really well planned. New Zealand is amazing, such a beautiful country full of awesome and friendly people. I would very highly recommend this program!