Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Study Abroad I've participated in. Past Review

By (Brigham Young University) - abroad from 04/30/2013 to 06/19/2013 with

Brigham Young University (BYU): Traveling - British Literary Tour

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained new perspectives -- so definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was a very good experience that helped me to think outside of the box and to improve my writing skills.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed in hostels the whole time, so there wasn't a lot of privacy, but we got to know each other very well.

* Food:

Lots of PB&J -- we spend a lot of time moving from place to place, so we don't have a lot of time to prepare real food. Still, there was a good assortment of fruits, vegetables, sandwich options, etc.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You could go the whole trip and not interact very much with the locals -- BUT you are reading THEIR literature, you are writing about what you see and experience around you, and you are walking in their country. How much you interact with them really depends on you. I was pleased with my interactions.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

They tell you to bring a lock with you to lock up your luggage -- I never used mine. You stay in good, safe hostels where there is an unspoken rule about not touching other people's stuff. I felt totally safe.

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? $150/week, but it wasn't because food wasn't available -- I just like to buy extra snacks along the way.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Apply for scholarships offered through the Kennedy Center and BYU.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • My fellow students and faculty
  • Great Britain and its landscapes
* What could be improved?
  • Start in London, end in Edinbourgh
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wouldn't have brought a lock; I would tell everyone to buy the duffel bag that the faculty recommend (the FUL bags)

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.