Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

England, Yes! U of Chester, No! Past Review

By (Truman State University) - abroad from 01/10/2016 to 06/10/2016 with

ISEP Exchange: Chester - Exchange Program at University of Chester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile mostly because I got to travel to 9 countries in 5 months while learning about my own capacity for "adulting". Biggest learning curve I've experienced yet.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

While the classes were easy, the expectations were vague, professors hard to reach, and grades seemed arbitrary.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

If I could give the International Office at Chester a 0, I would. They were horrible at communication, offered us no help beyond picking us up at the airport, often sent us on wild goose chases looking for someone who could actually answer our questions, and were, in general, useless. I have no idea what they do in their office; it certainly isn't helping internationals.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I liked rooming with an American, but Chester needs to communicate with their students better- our 5 British housemates had no idea we were coming, and had zero interest in us. It would have been much better if Chester had asked their students to volunteer to have international roommates.

* Food:

n/a. We were given a stipend for food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I integrated pretty well by the end of the semester, but it was only because of my own efforts; the university offered no help or support.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Incredibly expensive- think $500- because you must register with the NHS. American insurance companies aren't valid over there (or something).

* Safety:

Pretty safe. Needs better lighting. Porters were the only helpful people around.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

The university had no academic or emotional support- no gym, writing center, or counceling services (that were affordable)- and the professors and students did not seem to care about their studies.

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)

The food stipend made it manageable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Depended on the week; less than $50 when I was in Chester and not traveling.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? APPLY FOR ALL THE SCHOLARSHIPS

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
  • 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?
  • Food stipend
* What could be improved?
  • More diversity among international students
  • More academic and emotional support
  • Entire rehauling of the International Office
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that I would have no support from the University itself- no Student Advisors/Resident Advisors, International workers that disappeared, no writing center, and useless international student workers. I would have braced myself for being absolutely independent and been mentally prepared for it.

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!