Take England for All Its Worth Past Review

By (Communication; Classics, Montclair State University) for

Northumbria University: Newcastle Upon Tyne - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Clearly, from my ratings and comments above, this experience was one that I wouldn't change for a lifetime. I am going to visit again in March, and have been seriously considering Grad School there when I graduate. No matter where you go, when you are abroad and you go with an open mind, your previous knowledge of cultural awareness seems as so little in comparison to what you learn while you are actually abroad. I learned so much about myself while I was abroad and what I found important in my life. I had a completely life changing experience and my outlook on life was completely altered. I now know what is important to me and how valuable the little things in life are.

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.

Studying in Newcastle, England was a completely new and diverse experience. I feel the classes and learning opportunities were much more hands-on and the teachers were trusting in the student's independent study ability. There are both lectures and seminars, which are more beneficial for students so that they may learn and also discuss their understanding of what they learn. Everyone has a different learning style, so I giving students an opportunity to learn in several ways is helpful for both teachers and students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The only issue I had was with my finances. I do not live on campus at my home university, therefore I did not have a loan to cover payment for my accommodation abroad. I was unaware of these complications until I was abroad, which made it much more difficult to overcome my financial difficulties. However, I don't think it was anyone's fault but my own since I was unaware that it would be a problem.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Everything was beyond convenient and easy to access. Everyone at the university was more than welcome to help me out and give me directions and tips. Everything is extremely safe, there are always police around to help if you need it, and the locals are all very nice and helpful. There were stores only a five minute or less walk away that had everything you need from sheets to food to beauty products for great prices. Overall, it was the easiest move I've ever had.

* Food:

The food was great and if you wanted a healthier selection they had vegetarian options or salad you could pre order. Wetherspoons was a hot spot, and there are all sorts of small cafes in the town center that are cheap and have amazing food. Not far away there is a small China Town with buffets, italian restaurants, and the cafes on campus are great too.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Everything is easy to access and close by. You could take a 30 minute metro ride to the beach, or take a bus to Durham, Scotland, or London. Everything was wonderful.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Everything was very safe, but as it is with anywhere you are, you should go out in groups, stick together, and don't put your drink down. I never had a problem, and there were always cops there to stop fights or any mischief that was going on. As far as safety at the university, my accommodation gave us safety talks and there are signs everywhere informing you of the safety procedures. Healthcare is easy to access and anyone will give you the assistance you need, whether its asking how to get somewhere or getting recommendations from others.

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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

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
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Everything, especially the people I met and the overall feel of Newcastle.
* What could be improved?
  • I think it would be beneficial to help set international students up with a job while they are there if they need one. Something that is under the table and just a few hours a week to help them with spending money.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? GO! Newcastle has amazing courses, people, clubs, bars, restaurants, shopping and experiences. There is nothing you can't find in Newcastle; it has a city, countryside, even beaches. Newcastle is dominated by an abundant amount of history and is now filling with modern culture and excitement. No matter what kind of student you are, Newcastle offers experiences that are rewarding, inspiring, and it will take your breath away. You will meet your family there and it becomes a second home for you. There is so much to offer, so my advice would be to take in as much as you can, but do not forget about the people. Truly experience the town, it will amaze you in different ways every day you're there.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

James Joyce's Ulysses

Course Department: EL0642
Instructor: Claire Nally
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class was very challenging for me. I took this class, at first, because I needed another class to fill my requirement, however, I learned more in this class than i could have learned in any other class. It was challenging and unexpected. I never imagined I could learn so much from one class and be interested in a subject that was unfamiliar to me. The professor was very knowledgable and helped the class to critically analyze and find new meanings. I cannot say I participated more or less compared to my home university, I but I pay much more attention and had to put in a lot more effort to understand the book we were reading.
Credit Transfer Issues: I am unsure if there have been any problems yet, but as far as I am aware, there haven't been any.