Wales: A Small Country Makes A Huge Impact! Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Trinity University) for

Central College Abroad: Bangor - Bangor University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I've discovered so much about myself through this experience. Every day I had to get out of my comfort zone and I loved it, and now I'm not as afraid to try new things and seek out adventure!

Review Photos

Central College Abroad: Bangor - Bangor University Photo Central College Abroad: Bangor - Bangor University Photo Central College Abroad: Bangor - Bangor University Photo Central College Abroad: Bangor - Bangor University Photo

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.

Classes included one 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour seminar per week, with assigned readings for seminar discussion.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All expectations for the program met and exceeded. Program director Tecwyn Vaughan Jones was an invaluable part of our experience with his knowledge and humor, frequent field trips around Wales and England, 29-student program was a bit large but still enjoyable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Bangor is a very safe small town, I had no reservations for walking around alone or at night. Housing was in a flat with 7 other students, each with a private room with a shared kitchen that you must buy your own food and cookware for.

* Food:

Pastries! Scones! So much wonderful food. Definitely look to Mike's Bites for comfort food and Blue Sky Cafe on high street for amazing scones and hot chocolate. If you walk to the very end of high street you'll find the Oriental Expresso Cafe, which has great food and 1-pound cupcakes!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Excellent field trips, including 5 days in Ireland and a weekend in Cardiff.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never used the healthcare system, but there was a doctor's office right off campus that a lot of American students on my program went to. The city was very 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? You can easily cook for yourself for 20 pounds per week, but you'll want more to eat out - probably an extra 15-20 pounds.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Remember to save for souvenirs!

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Small group of American students
  • Tecwyn Vaughan Jones
  • Lots of field trips
* What could be improved?
  • Keep the number of students low
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you like smaller groups where you can really bond with friends, this is definitely a good fit. You get the best of both worlds - a close-knit American group and large university of international students. Tecwyn is an amazing person and the best program director out there, he will make your experience a thousand times better. The Outdoor Pursuits class is amazing - I've never been outdoorsy or athletic but it was one of the best experiences of my life, I'm so glad I signed up at the last minute. You will not regret coming to Wales, and the CCA program is definitely the best choice for Bangor.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Outdoor Pursuits

Course Department: x
Instructor: Conway Centre
Instruction Language: English
Comments: All CCA students can take this course in Wales, which explores the natural environment through activities such as surfing, mountain scrambling, and rock climbing. It was one of the best experiences I had in Wales - it allows you to see the beauty of the country while developing close bonds with your group. No matter your reservations, take this class.
Credit Transfer Issues: