Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

One Word: Unforgettable Past Review

By (HISTORY., Framingham State College) - abroad from 09/19/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

University of East Anglia: Norwich - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad at UEA was definitely worthwhile. I learned a lot about different cultures and experienced different types of people. I made a lot of great friends, saw some really cool sites, and completely fell in love with England. When can I move there?

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.

I learned what I wanted to learn at a good pace! The library full of resources...I never had to go anywhere else!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

We were a bit confused on where to go and what to do for orientation at first, but we got the hang of it quickly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my flatmates and the design of Norfolk Terrace. But a lot of our heaters broke and got our belongings wet. Maintenance was quick to help, though.

* Food:

I rarely went to the campus dining areas for food. I usually cooked for myself. But when I did go the food was good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I lived in a flat with all British students so that helped me learn about their lifestyles very easily. The events put on by the school also helped me socialize. And Norwich is only a bus ride away!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got sick for a couple weeks while I was over there (mixing all those germs from all those countries, you know). But since I was only there for three months I was unsure of how to proceed with the health care program. Looking back I probably should have talked to the study abroad people and if not, gone straight to the health facility. I didn't really know what to do because all the instructions were for people who were staying 6 months or more.

* Safety:

I felt more safe at UEA than I did in my own dorm at my home university. I usually would lock the door to my room at my home university, but at UEA I didn't feel the need to.

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)

I went with the philosophy that I wouldn't have this experience again, (and I had been saving for a while to study abroad) so I just spend whatever I wanted, whenever, within reason. I also went on trips almost every weekend to places outside of Norwich, so those expenses added up.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $250 including weekend excursions
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy a bus pass, learn to cook your own food, and look into buying rail passes or shopping for deals to travel around the country.

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? Exchange

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the people
  • the course topics
  • England itself
* What could be improved?
  • Communicating information to the students through one avenue
  • More excursions for study abroad students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I should have studied abroad for the whole year!

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!