Keep Calm and Party On Past Review

By (Communications, Cardinal Stritch University) for

Liverpool Hope University: Liverpool - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was beyond my imagination. It will remain a turning point of personal, spiritual, and intellectual growth for me. I believe it was a necessary experience.

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 had a very satisfying academic experience abroad. The instructors were very sensitive and understanding of exchange students and offered personal time for extra help. The work load was manageable and the classes weren't extremely difficult or easy - there was a good medium. Only having one essay due at the end of the semester was a very big difference from being in an American University. It was a nice change, though I did find myself struggling with time management. Good experience, overall.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Strengths: The Study Abroad Coordinator was always available and helpful with any questions I had. The transportation provided for school was very efficient. The housing accommodation was nice and the tutors did a great job of ensuring safety and getting things fixed around my flat.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I shopped for myself at Tesco, mostly. I also ate at a pub called the Brook house quite a lot. The meals at the University were pretty good, as well.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Amsterdam, Spain, and Ireland were amazing countries to experience. I also really enjoyed being able to explore all the different foods everywhere. Traveling, overall was a really huge part of my experience and I'd say it was definitely the most exciting part of my experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I only got sick once and it was taken care in a very time efficient manner. I was very happy with the services offered through the university - They were able to get me an appointment right away and followed up to make sure that I was okay.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? At least 60 U.S. dollars a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I was informed well. My own poor financial mismanagement is what set me back.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Definitely the people I got to meet.
  • Live music and dance clubs.
  • Traveling.
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation could have been a bit more informative.