Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

There were ups and downs, but I will be forever grateful for this experience. Past Review

By (English and American Literature, Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/17/2014 to 12/12/2014 with

University of East Anglia: Norwich - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot through different classes I wouldn't take at Middlebury, such as screenwriting in adaptation. I also learned a lot about myself, what kind of person I am becoming, what I want out of a school or town. I also learned more about myself in terms of how I adapt to Middlebury and how as an institution it has given me many opportunities and privileges along with struggle.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I was mostly cooking food for myself, but the meals at the campus kitchen were nice.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The city of Norwich was easy to navigate. It is a small city (compared to the US) with a big city feeling. I enjoyed the culture and quaintness of the city.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I can not properly rate the healthcare because I did not register for it (I was unable to because I was in the country for under six months)

* Safety:

I felt generally safe on campus and in town. I of course still took the precautionary measures to ensure my safety when going out.

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 was surprised by how expensive the cost of living was in England. Towards the end of my semester I was definitely struggling to support myself. Although I was in close contact with my parents- we were still struggling financially as a family.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Start saving early! Apply for grants or scholarships! If you want to travel while you are abroad- plan it out as early as possible!

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
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 town
  • The location
  • The free time
* What could be improved?
  • Facilities (dorms)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You will spend a lot more time alone and thinking and learning about yourself than you think you will, so be prepared for that and make the best of it!

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

20th Century American Women Writers
Course Department: Literature/ American Studies
Instructor: Maggie Shelby
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class was amazing. The readings were so diverse and interesting. The professor was very welcoming and engaging- and overall the classroom environment in this class was great!
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Issues in Adaptation (Screenwriting)
Course Department: Screenwriting
Instructor: Peter Bloore
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was engaging and challenging. The professor was very practical and realistic with his expectations. I learned a lot in this course!
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

18th Century Literature
Course Department: Literature
Instructor: Jo Poppleton
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I found this to be my most challenging course. I had a seminar tutor that was honestly not that great at breaking down the work and the pieces we were learning. I took this course because it fills a requirement for my major at Middlebury
Credit Transfer Issues: