Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Trip of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Political Science And International Studies, Western University) - abroad from 01/07/2013 to 05/06/2013 with

University of East Anglia: Norwich - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained the perspective of a person who has travelled and lived in a different culture. It was completely worthwhile as I was able to experience things I would never normally been given the opportunity to at home.

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.

Small class sizes and intelligent and passionate teachers! A lot of different assignments then I was used to, but it pushed me outside my comfort zone. Overall, amazing educational experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was always very helpful when it came to questions about exchange.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was offered the most expensive resident room as my only choice, so I opted not to stay in it. Instead, I found other housing arrangements. It would have been nice if the university had a housing site dedicated to helping international students find housing with other students, as I found this a very difficult and frustrating task.

* Food:

Traditional food and a bit expensive, but everything you would expect on a university campus!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

As much as I loved the University, it did not offer enough programs for exchange students. There was a group for international students, but this consisted of many students who had been there for a year or longer and didn't speak English as a first language. I was looking to meet up with other students who were there temporarily in order to make friends to travel with. Also, the pre-planned trips that the University organized were a bit of a disappointment, as they did not offer much variety or interesting options.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I found the healthcare quite easily accessible. I was able to see a doctor and be prescribed medication. I had made sure before I came to have overseas health coverage in case of any emergency.

* Safety:

Safety was excellent. If there was any disruptions on campus or in the surrounding area the University would send out email notifications regarding the issues.

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? About £100/week or less
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out all the time! It's fun for the experience, but limit it because it gets really expensive.

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

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The teachers
  • The small class time
* What could be improved?
  • Class times
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That you will still have a culture shock even though you're in England (and you speak the language).

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.