Past Review

By (Marketing., University of Southern Maine) for

Keele University: Staffordshire - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had a great, great time, but I would not do it over again because it felt like a prolonged vacation and getting back into "normal" American life was difficult.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Note, I entered the wrong information, it is not University of Maine, it is Keele University in England
The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My experience was amazing, I got to meet a lot of new people and travel around Europe for a lot cheaper than I would have otherwise been able to. Keele academics on the other hand were not very good in comparison to American Universities, I feel like academics are around 5th priority on the totem pole. So if you are spending a semester abroad to eat bad food and party every day I would recommend Keele.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration at Keele were very helpful and they offered a lot of opportunities to travel within England with a student group.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the cheapest dorm, Lindsay, which wasn't bad. I can confidently say I got what I paid for.

* Food:

English food is not the best, but that is no surprise nor was I disappointed, just a few pounds heavier.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The English are really, really nice and sure know how to throw a good party.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

It was self induced sickness, so I cannot complain.

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

Language acquisition improvement?

I just learned a few interesting English slang words.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Dorm
  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Local Students
  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring vitamins