Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Dw i'n hoffi siarad Cymraeg! Past Review

By (Austin College) - abroad from 09/13/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

IFSA: Cardiff - University of Cardiff

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an appreciation of the Welsh language and culture and was inspired to write my honors thesis on a very Welsh subject - Dewi Sant. It was worthwhile, but I was disappointed by the lack communication and lack of recognition of my Study Abroad status by the University. There were some issues with the lecturers as well; one was ill frequently, but we were never informed if we would be having class that day or not; consequently, we finished the class rather behind in our coursework. One of the clubs I joined was phenomenal and I had the opportunity to visit much of the Welsh countryside. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for the other club I joined.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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? £10

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Welsh language class
  • Hiking in the mountains
  • IFSA Adventure Weekend
* What could be improved?
  • Communication between CU and SA students
  • Better explanation of assignments
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the Archaeology programme was less informative than anticipated; had I known that, I might have attended a different programme, or changed my courses.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!