Meet the Church! Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/25/2016 to 06/03/2016 with

University of Bristol: Bristol - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was undoubtedly worthwhile! For one, I learned how to live on a budget.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Bristol was similar to Wellesley in academic rigor.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There was not too much overseeing from administration. After the first few days, I didn't really see administration unless I sought them out.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was in the middle of the city but a bus ride from campus. While this ended up being convenient for me in some respects, it was quite a long trek to school when the buses were not in operation.

* Food:

The food was great!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt quite integrated with the local culture. I had heard that people abroad hate Americans, but for the most part, I found quite the opposite!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't see a doctor or visit a healthcare center while I was abroad.

* Safety:

In the city centre, I came across many drunk individuals on weekend nights just walking home.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

While abroad I spent very little time with the University of Bristol other than for academics. Instead, I spent my time with brothers and sisters in the church that I was initially introduced to via a trip to the Broadmead. It is with these brothers and sisters (and more!) that I spent the most valuable portion of my time!

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? On average, about 15 pounds - not including housing.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It is good to come with some money saved up!

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? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • academic rigor
  • beauty of the city
* What could be improved?
  • distance to school
  • more tutoring help
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I was more prepared for going to school at a big university - it seems that study is much more individualized, at least at the University of Bristol.

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.'