Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

University of Reading: Next time, Go to London. Past Review

By (Political Science, Hofstra University) for

ISA Study Abroad in Reading, England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Not really. If I could do it all again, I would go to London.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I thought it was so much easier. I never once felt challenged.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our guides were incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. They made all excursions interesting and fun.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The dining service was rubbish, although English food was the best diet I've ever had.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I cheered on the Univ. of Reading squad and had an amazing time.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

whose bright idea was it to put a bar next to freshman dorms? Seriously, I couldnt count on 2 hands the amount of kids who went to the hospital for alcohol poisoning.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

I took Arabic while at Reading and I must say that it was by far my favorite class.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Expect the unexpected... things never go exactly as planned. Also, try and head for the city... stay away from small towns.