So much fun! Past Review

By (Environmental Science, The Australian National University) - abroad from 01/03/2013 to 05/31/2013 with

University of East Anglia: Norwich - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was really worthwhile and I was glad I got the chance to live at university as it was a lot of fun. The courses were interesting but not too hard so travelling etc. was possible when uni was on.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Only had to do 3 courses which was about 11 hours of university a week, although a lot of reading was expected it didn't seem essential if you just wanted to pass the courses.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Was really well organised although could have held more orientation events.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Constable Terrace which had really big rooms and an ensuite. Although I lived in a mature aged/international flat who were all really nice but I wasn't told of beforehand and I would of preferred to live with UK students.

* Food:

All accommodation is self catered and the kitchens are cleaned twice a week however they still get really filthy.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

UEA and Norwich feel pretty safe. There are security patrols at uni frequently throughout the day.

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)

I spent about 40 pounds a week on food to cook for myself, although could easily spend less if more stringent with budgeting.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300-$400

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

  • International 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?
  • Living on campus
  • meeting new people
  • Norwich
* What could be improved?
  • more orientation with exchange students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? the bus into town is really expensive (4.50 return) and slow (only about 10 mins faster than walking), so in hindsight I would of bought a bike at the beginning of semester as it would of been quicker and cheaper overall.