Absolutely incredible. Past Review

By (Drake University) - abroad from 01/12/2017 to 06/10/2017 with

IFSA: Cardiff - University of Cardiff

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was incredibly worthwhile. I developed a lot as a more well-rounded individual. I met amazing individuals from all over the world, saw unimaginable beauty, and learned a lot about myself, traveling, time management, how to go with the flow, and many more things. I loved it so much!

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* 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? Yes

I loved the program. I felt like I was integrated into the academic areas of Cardiff University at a research university while taking science modules. I was able to work with other local students who knew more of how to do things, which allowed me to grow close with a lot of local students and work through the course material together. My flatmates were incredible, we hungout every day and they taught me lots about their cultures. I had the freedom of cooking my own food, which I actually enjoyed a lot. Living in a flat and going to Cardiff University allowed me to learn how to successfully live independently while having fun.

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? 20 pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I tried to cook large amounts of food and then save them for all throughout the week! I shopped for groceries on Sunday nights with my flatmates and we were able to save a lot of money by looking up deals together!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Flatmates and friendships
  • Welsh culture and geography
  • IFSA-Butler Advisor
* What could be improved?
  • Academic rigor
  • Study abroad office near the university
  • Science lab orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew right away that it was okay to be alone and to not know everything right away. Learning how to be happy alone and independent is empowering and fun!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.