Happiness Past Review

By (Texas Lutheran University) - abroad from 08/22/2019 to 12/05/2019 with

University of Evansville: Grantham - Study abroad at Harlaxton College

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be more independent especially in traveling. I feel more confident in myself in body and mind. It was so worth while.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The British studies class was very informative and I loved it, set up like a actual British class and grades. A lot of the classes where very easy and enjoyable. But they hire other random professors to teach at Harlaxton that are absolutely awful or haven't taught a type of class. They should hire professors with high likeable ratings and teach a class they have already taught before.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was always very helpful and understanding. The actual helped me get a scholarship when I was running low on money. There was some miss communication in times or events, not always %100 planed well, but over all fun.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did like who I lived with and we had a nice open room. I personally don't like bunch beds, but I just laid my mattress on the floor by my desk and it was just as comfortable. I didn't like that I didn't know my roommates or how many I would have until the day you arrive. All had comfortable beds, bedding provided and can get clean sheets every week, sink, desk, lamp, bed side table, and decent sized closet.

* Food:

You got breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. The breakfast had many different things to eat, and had many choices, same everyday. Lunch and dinner you had either vegetarian or non vegetarian food, and if you didn't like either, you didn't eat. Its free food though, cant complain much, you can always order out.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I always believed to know a culture is to know its people. At Harlaxton its mostly Americans and people studying in America, so not a lot of people from England. We did go on culture trips and you get to make your own trips but just learning the history, which is important. But you don't know the people unless you make your own friend in towns.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got really bad allergies while I was there that resulted in a ear infection. The school got me into a doctors appointment for the same day and got me a car with medicine the same day. I did have to pay for my own taxi though, which really sucked and they didn't tell me that my prescription cost. Also was able to get my birth control shot and tested, with no cost at a local clinic, which was great. but once again had to pay for my own transportation.

* Safety:

They gave you a full presentation on safety in England and had to do a "weekend checkout" that way the college knew where you were every weekend and also had to sign out if you were going into another time during the week. Also had you download a app that told you about local disaster situations or riots as they happen. Always felt safe and did not get anything stolen.

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

I would want to take classes in a local school to make international friends and know the culture through people.

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)

If you are good at budgeting and plan out trips, and understand the currency rate, then its ok to live off a students budget. But I went through too much money because I wasn't paying attention to currency rate.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure you realize currency rate and when you pull out money make sure you don't get extra charges from your bank, it adds but. whatever you think you should bring with you, add another $1000.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? English
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? This gram was in a english speaking country.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Location
  • Local trips free
  • Living
* What could be improved?
  • Perfessors
  • Communication
  • Food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There would be a major population from Evansville college in Indiana, so they knew each other, and no locals in program.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.