Beautiful uni with colourful people. Past Review
By Tyler Kenney (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 01/11/2016 to 06/17/2016 with
University of Birmingham: Birmingham - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned that things aren't always what you expect them to be. The experience was worthwhile and a nice change of pace from American uni.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I am used to weekly homework assignments and multiple quizzes/tests/exams over the course of any given semester. My modules at Birmingham had no homework and marks were assigned based on, usually, one exam at the end of the term. It was certainly a change of pace for me, being from the USA. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The Vale was very nice, especially toward the end of the spring semester when the weather got nice. I have heard Selly Oak is a nice option for a more "in the city" feel for living, as well as with older students. |
| * Food: |
A good taste of the national food, though dining hall quality. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt safe at all times really. Late at night when coming back from out it would be advisable to be with a group. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would recommend not getting the meal plan if living on campus, which is what I did. You have to pay individually for overpriced items at the dining hall anyway, so you might as well just use cash or a debit card. They give you I think three quid extra a week but I don't think it is worth it. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Some small things maybe but not knowing what to expect, or kind of just figuring out things as I went along made things more interesting. |
