Best five months of my life. Past Review

By (Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 02/02/2015 to 06/12/2015 with

University of Hull: Hull - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned an incredible amount about culture of the different places I visited, as well as all the friends I made from different places. I learned a lot about myself to and what I can handle, and how well I handle stress. I would often times show up in foreign countries without a real plan and have to figure it out, which was a whole new learning experience and one I benefited from greatly. I study communication so learning how to communicate with those who have very limited English taught me a lot about my degree and just what communication means.

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 different and took some adjusting. For example rather than like at UNI where we usually have a bunch of small assignments that make up grades, we had two very large assignments that made up our grade.

* 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?

NHS takes forever to see patients.

* 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)

I did a lot of traveling, so it was impossible to live a true students budget, however my time in Hull was very reasonable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't worry about the big supermarkets, Newland Ave. has everything you need for cheaper.

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International 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?
  • People
  • Travel
* What could be improved?
  • Hull
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That Hull is not a very nice city.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'