Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

tl;dr only slight culture shock, ate lots of fish and chips Past Review

By (English and Religion, Trinity University) - abroad from 01/04/2014 to 06/14/2014 with

University of East Anglia: Norwich - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to manage my own money, to find my way and read maps, to keep myself safe while still being able to make friends, and to generally be more independent. I would consider those things very worthwhile.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30GBP/50USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Only withdraw as much cash as you need to get through any given week, and once it runs out, DO NOT withdraw again until the next week. Don't be liberal with your credit/debit card. Always calculate the exchange rate before making a purchase.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Adventure weekend to Wales
  • IFSA-Butler staff taking students from each school out to lunch
  • Overall support
* What could be improved?
  • Making outings not so London-based
  • More structured schedule options on outings/day trips
  • More opportunities to bring students from each school together during orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't overpack. Academic styles between US and UK are very different; it affects your personal time and the habits you form.

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!