Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Be a Brit for a Semester! Past Review

By (English, Truman State University) - abroad from 01/09/2014 to 05/04/2014 with

College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS): Ormskirk - Edge Hill University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile! Coming back to the US, one of the big differences I've noticed in myself is a greater willingness to step outside my comfort zone, try new things, and be adventurous. I also have a completely different view of the world. It is so big, and there are so many people and places. The US may be a big country, but it is only one little, tiny slice of the earth. I gained a greater appreciation for "differences" and how one way of doing things doesn't have to be better or worse than another way. It's just different. :)

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My classes at Edge Hill were considerably easier than classes I've taken at Truman. This may have been due, in part, to the fact that most of them were first year classes, though.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The International Office at Edge Hill was fantastic! Everyone was very helpful and friendly and the program director, Bill, really went above and beyond to get to know you and make sure that you weren't having any problems.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The halls of residence were okay, not super nice or anything, sometimes a little dirty as shared spaces always are. They were sometimes pretty loud late into the night, but other than that I thought it wasn't bad.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't need any healthcare/use the healthcare system while I was there.

* Safety:

I always felt very safe in Ormskirk and around campus.

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)

It's up to you. You could spend a lot of money if you wanted to, but it's not difficult to live fairly cheaply. It is more expensive in the UK versus the US, of course, but your food and living expenses are taken care of, so it's just extras and travel that you're paying for.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Ask yourself: do I really need this? If it's a "thing," remember that you either have to fit it in your suitcase to bring back or leave it behind. If it's alcohol, slow down and pace yourself. You could easily spend $50 or more in one night, so you need to decide if that's worth it.

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
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Culture
  • Travelling
  • New friends
* What could be improved?
  • Integration with home/local students
  • Classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you go in the spring, bring more cold/cool weather clothing and fewer warm/hot weather clothing. Let's put it this way: I didn't wear shorts once while over there, because it never got quite warm enough. People (including students) dress pretty nicely on a day-to-day basis, so I recommend bringing skirts and whatnot (for girls). I also had one or two fancier outfits, but honestly, I never had a reason to wear them.

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!