Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Self-Journey on a Journey Abroad Past Review

By (Cardinal Stritch University) - abroad from 09/23/2017 to 12/15/2018 with

University of Chester: Chester - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot of self-dependence and independence. It was definitely worthwhile; I made friends, learned new things, and got to travel to places I'd only dreamed of. I learned a lot more about my culture and my people the farther away I went.

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.

Compared to US education systems, there was significantly less coursework/homework at all. Most courses expected students to do readings and studying on their own. However, in contrast, it's harder to get a high grade because the homework system is non-existent and the grading system is different.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration was pretty organized, but earlier notices would have been appreciated.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was uninformed that I needed to fill out a housing application (I was told it would be guaranteed, so I wasn't worried), so by the time I inquired, I wasn't able to get the accommodation I wanted.

* Food:

I was automatically put on a meal plan because it came with the accommodation I was allocated to (which wasn't even an option for me to choose from). There was only one cafeteria in which I could eat, which limited my options, but the food was generally pretty great quality, especially compared to US food. We also got desserts with every lunch and dinner!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I personally don't like partying, drinking, or smoking, all of which most of the students and social organizations participated in. A lot of the time, I stayed in my own room, but that was more of my choice than lack of effort on my host country's side. They had lots of parties and events to go to.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health issues were not a problem. Each student was required to register with a doctor, even study abroad students. But this was easy to do and easily accessible (just a short walk from the campus). Moreover, it was free! The doctors answered my questions quickly and in a friendly manner. Mental health counselling was also easily accessible and flexible.

* Safety:

The city was really safe, and the people were quite friendly. Chester is a very popular place for shopping, so there are actually quite a lot of tourists. Even returning from the station at night or early morning, I never felt in danger.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Since I've gotten experience with international travel, I want to try a country that is more challenging, such as Japan or a country whose main language in not English.

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)

There are plenty of cheap shops in town you can get the basic necessities from, and if you know how to cook/budget money for food, it's pretty easy to handle. That being said, I had a meal plan, so I didn't have to worry about groceries.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I didn't spent money on food because I had a pre-paid meal plan, but once I had my basic items bought (towels, door hooks, etc.), I only spent maybe $20 a week for things like toilet paper or snacks.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you can cook, COOK! It's much cheaper than buying meals from the cafeteria, which, while fresh and hot, can quickly become very expensive. Also, if you're going to travel, pack food/snacks for eating (I made sandwiches) in case you aren't able to find somewhere cheap to eat. Most importantly, research! Sometimes, a plane ticket can be cheaper than multiple bus/train tickets.

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

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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?
  • Convenient
  • In English
  • Easy for travelling
* What could be improved?
  • Communication before program starts
  • Helping students set up/integrate into their accommodations. A lot of items get donated/thrown away when study abroad students leave, but they could be recycled for future student use.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how to be better at my anxiety and trying new things. I regret not being more interactive with the other local students there.

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!