Guernsey or Bust - Field Study in Channel Islands Past Review

By (Brigham Young University) - abroad from 05/08/2013 to 07/12/2013 with

Study Abroad Programs in England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about myself than I ever expected to. This was my first time traveling abroad, and it was completely worthwhile. Talking to people about what's important to them in their culture taught me more about what's most important to me, whether I'm at home or abroad. I think it gave me the chance to step back from expectations about college, grad school, jobs, marriage, etc. and just figure out what made me happy, and what I wanted to do, because the people I was surrounded with didn't have the same expectations as at home in the US.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $40/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The program comes with two meals a day, but be wise about buying the third meal. Go shopping for some minimal things and pack lunch instead of going out every day. Familiarize yourself with local groceries to get the most bang for your buck (or pound as it goes). As far as buying souvenirs, etc. spread it out over your time there. If you see a particular item that you can't pass up, wait a couple of weeks to see if it goes on sale or if you find something that you like better.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My host family was amazing!
  • Exposure to local culture
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • Preparation before hand
  • Financial assistance
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This program lasts two months, so don't pack with the mind set that you can survive without it. Bring the things that are going to make yourself comfortable, whether it's your favorite sweater or pictures of your family. But don't forget to be reasonable with this - because of the limited travel to Guernsey, weight requirements are strictly enforced. What people wear is completely different: more sophisticated and professional, but also more simplistic and neutral than American style. So pack clothes that are really versatile, more solids than patterns, but throw in one or two scarves to liven things up.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'