England: My Year the Yank. Past Review

By (Business, San Jose State University) for

Nottingham Trent University: Nottingham - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was enrolled a truly global university with over 160 nations represented on campus. I was exposed to people, ideas, and cultures I never imagined interacting with and I am a better person from it. I no longer tell my friends I WANT to apply to grad school in France, rather I tell them that I AM applying to grad school in France. Five stars is not enough to describe my satisfaction. I have realized my priorities and have now put plans in place for achievement.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The main differences between NTU's education system and SJSU were the year long courses that were group together in a "module" that was to be followed both semesters. Students had a more limited number of "elective" choices that were focused relevant to the module one chooses to follow. Instructional hours included lectures, condensed seminars, and further condensed workshops. NTU emphasized role play as learning activities discussing current issue worldwide, which is not a main focus as SJSU. The workload consisted of one presentation, research paper, and written final exam for each class, which were both challenging and manageable. The grading system was based on classification levels where higher marks were regarded with honors and distinction. Similar to the GPA scoring system but much more revered by employers and institutions.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My expectations were met. I attained from the program leader and others that it is a privilege to study abroad which is earned and that I will be representing SJSU. All paper work was completed timely and I was notified about progress constantly. I even received a personal phone call from my program leader when I was officially accepted. The study abroad office provided great information about the school, put me in contact with previous students who had gone to my school, and provided cultural sensitivity lectures to aware my perspective before going abroad.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Good selection of food on campus.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Experienced the Royal Wedding in England, local carnival fairs and Christmas markets.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Health center on campus which was free with government health care system.

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)

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

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  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

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A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • University location: city, country, and continent
  • Style and content of instruction
* What could be improved?
  • Assitance in comparing/planning courseload from home institution
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you are considering going to NTU, you have already made the decision, you are going! The Int'l Business Program is amazing, encompassing, and most importantly relevant. Gain life long knowledge, friends, and unforgettable experiences.