Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Most Mind-Blowing, Introspective, Life Changing, Life Affirming Experience Past Review

By (History, Other, University of Illinois Springfield / UIS) - abroad from 09/29/2014 to 12/19/2014 with

Queen's University Belfast: Belfast - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself, what I want out of life, what I want to do with with my life, who is important, what is important, I could go on and on. This experience was and will continue to be worthwhile. I am not the same person I was when I left and I know that I am and will be infinitely better because of it.

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.

Such an amazing experience and university.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Program was very organized, it was clear they had done this for a very long time and found an effective system to keep things working smoothly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was my first time living away from home, so I really had nothing to compare it to, but for my needs, it was perfect.

* Food:

I went out or made for myself, either way, I was never without food. There were even places to receive free meals for students.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was very easy to get into the local culture. Belfast is such a friendly city.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

It is one of the safest cities in the UK and one night, I walked from the city center back to my dorm by myself and I felt safe.

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)

I budget well and really figured out what I did and did not need while I was there, but it was expensive to live on the American dollar in a country that uses the pound.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I roughly spent 50 pounds a week, sometimes more.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Start saving now and invest in a credit card that you can pay off online whenever you need.

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

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • The University
  • The City
  • The Freedom
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
  • The whole experience
  • was incredible.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I didn't need to pack so much. I shipped quite a bit home and it was money I could have spent on other things. Pack less because you will come home with more.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!