Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Traveling Across the Pond! Past Review

By (Sociology., Loras College) - abroad from 09/25/2013 to 12/22/2013 with

Keele University: Staffordshire - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The experience has greatly challenged me outside of my comfort zone, allows for an understanding of diverse perspectives, and the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue. I learned so much from my experience abroad, both about myself and about the British culture. My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile, because I made so many friends and loved traveling.

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.

The academics of Keele University challenged me in a great way, because the rigor was based more on depth rather than breadth of the subjects I studied.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Great orientation and very helpful!!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Really appreciated having the meal plan!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

They had wonderful international programs and lots of organizations to choose from.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

If I ever had a problem, I could always go to the health care clinic on campus. They were always very helpful and nice!

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I just used my meal plan which was plenty, 40 pounds a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Wait until you get your Keele card before spending a lot of money on groceries if you are getting the meal plan. Also, buy a rail card because it helps save a lot of money on traveling by train!

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
  • 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?
  • Traveling
  • Meeting other people and understanding their perspectives
  • Academics
* What could be improved?
  • A continued partnership between Keele University and Loras College
  • Understanding the course schedule
  • Understanding the transition period of studying abroad and reimmersing yourself back on campus too
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Keep being open-minded and try new things!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.