Program was great, worrying about money isn't. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/20/2016 to 12/16/2016 with

University of East Anglia: Norwich - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience was worthwhile. Even though it wasn't always the most carefree or fireworks amazing experience, I still met some great people and enjoyed my classes and feel like a part of the community. Most importantly though, it all depends on your outlook and how you approach the situation. If you wanna sit in your room and watch videos all week (which I definitely did some times) you can. You decided if it's 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:

Food stipend given and cooked for self.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No issues arose, so I didn't have to deal with anything.

* Safety:

Very safe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I enjoyed the program, but felt that I didn't enjoy it as fully as I could due to personal reasons. Also, not having to worry about money would have made me feel much more free to travel and explore more.

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)

With a stipend from Middlebury, I was probably only able to cover food. Events, eating out, etc. really adds up.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $160/week, including events, meals, and a few small trips.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Instead of buying "things" (clothes, souvenirs, etc.) save your money and focusing on experiences. Buying groceries more frequently instead of grabbing meals or eating out really helps as well.

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
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?
  • Freedom
  • Having a break from Middlebury
* What could be improved?
  • Larger living expenses stipend
  • More pre-arrival info from Middlebury
  • More connection and interaction with other study abroad students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How expensive things really are.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Multi-Ethnic American Literature

Course Department: American Studies
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Fantastic professor, and interesting to take this course while in England and see a different perspective.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Creative Writing: Poetry

Course Department: Creative Writing
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: UEA has a fantastic creative writing program, with enthusiastic professors. Really enjoyed this.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

The Gothic

Course Department: Literature
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very good class, with a reading list that I wouldn't have come across at Middlebury.
Credit Transfer Issues: