Britain; Similar, and yet so different Past Review

By (Human Biology, The University of Texas at Austin) for

Arcadia: Manchester - University of Manchester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think that if I didn't have this experience I would have wished I had and always wondered what it would've been like. But after actually going through it, I realized I could have lived without it.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I had to take "Early Assessment" because Manchester takes their finals in January when I already would be back home. I was not really fond of this system, because all of my tests were replaced with essays. I don't think this really encourages learning because I only studied the material I needed to write my essays on. The lecture style is basically the same as the US, but they do have a lot less time in class. More of an emphasis on self study. The grading scheme is a little different; a 40 is passing and a grade above 70 is "really good".

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Manchester's study abroad office is really helpful. There are not that many differences between the US and the UK, so I didn't really have to use their facilities that often.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Three words: lower drinking age everyone in the dorms acts like a crazy teenager that just discovered they can get alcohol behind their parents' back

* Food:

British food isn't known for its appeal but really not horrible, lost of meats and potatoes and tuna&mayo!

* 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? 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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Local Students