Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Trip to Remember Past Review

By (Physics., Bethel University) - abroad from 08/23/2011 to 12/04/2011 with

Study Abroad Programs in England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a better understanding of both literature and foreign cultures. Given that this was precisely what I was hoping to get out of the trip, it was more worthwhile than I can communicate.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Pleasantly rigorous, but light enough to enjoy being in Europe.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

A fabulous job juggling 29 students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Could be cramped

* Food:

As good as one can expect, and sometimes better

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

It was no problem. I lost my credit card midway through the trip due to my own failing, but I managed perfectly fine on the budget we were given for the rest, and even had spare cash for presents.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? When I had my credit card, probably 10-15 Pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you are careful with the food budget, you will often have excess from this area that can save you spending some of your personal money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Seeing a country I had never seen before
  • Interacting with a culture I had never interacted with before
* What could be improved?
  • I cannot think of anything major I would improve.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? As a science student, I was intimidated by the literature emphasis of the trip, even though I enjoy literature as a past-time. It wound up being very manageable. Not for every scientist, but I managed.