Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Hard to make friends, not good classes. Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Clark University - Worcester) - abroad from 01/08/2014 to 05/19/2014 with

University of East Anglia: Norwich - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I really like America.

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.

Classes were pretty pedestrian–I learned very little. Only one of my classes, a third-year seminar, was particularly useful. I could show up to classes completely unprepared and keep engaged in the conversation and follow what was going on, which should not be true of any college class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I do not know what this questions means. I didn't have a program, I just attended the school.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I made it all myself, so it was okay. If you're asking how good the food is in the United Kingdom, then it isn't very good, unless you like beans. Fortunately, I like beans.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It is a serious struggle to make friends at UEA, especially if you come in during the spring and you're not a life-of-the-party type who doesn't like clubbing (e.g. me). Everyone who goes to school there who wants to make friends should join some sort of society.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had pretty bad diarrhea for a couple of days and they told me it'd be a week until I could see someone, so I'd count that as not very good.

* Safety:

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

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)

The pound is an awful, awful thing.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? While pubs in town are SUPER fun, they're criminally expensive. The union bar ain't much better, unless you're getting one of those meal deals.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?
  • Three weeks off to travel Europe
  • Norwich
* What could be improved?
  • Classes could be better
  • Campus social structure could be less focused on drinking/clubbing, but that isn't a factor of the program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you really don't like clubbing, don't go to UEA.

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!