Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great for experience, just not rigor. Past Review

By (Photography and Creative Writing, Kansas City Art Institute) - abroad from 09/15/2012 to 12/15/2013 with

University of Brighton - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to live without assistance. I learned how to travel on my own. I learned how to use public transportation. I learned how to communicate differently with people. I learned more options. I meant some of the best people I have come to meet in my lifetime. I wish the classes would have provided me with more. Life lesson wise, though, it was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The program was incredibly laid back and unconventional. Quantity of assignments was low. Resources and assistance were always available.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Faculty were kind and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living arrangements were fine until the final day. The host family was forgetful, standoffish, and I almost missed my train to the airport.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The people were the greatest part.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I walked around this city alone days on end and at night. I always 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Considering the cost of a dollar compared to that of a pound, I probably spent on average $100 on groceries and necessities.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out much.

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Classmates.
  • Location.
  • Travel.
* What could be improved?
  • Classes.
  • Teaching.
  • Initial integration.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How difficult it is to leave. No one warns you how much you're going to miss the people.

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!