Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Take me back to England (please) Past Review

By (Communication and Media Studies., Cornell University) - abroad from 01/18/2012 to 06/15/2012 with

University of Leeds: Leeds - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to study independently and even got some real hands-on experience in my desired career field in one of my classes. I learned how to budget my time (and money) more effectively than I have here where things are far more structured. I gained some amazing friends and experiences that will last a lifetime. It was absolutely worthwhile and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

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.

* 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? 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)

England is expensive, especially because of the exchange rate, but it wasn't horribly difficult to find good deals.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $80/week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you're in the UK and you plan on travelling (by train) within the UK: get a railcard. A one-time cost of £28 ensures you 1/3 off of regular train prices -- but do still book in advance. Also, keep a weekly budget so you can know how much you're spending and what to cut out. Buy generic brands, especially for ibuprofen and the like; they're incredibly cheap and just as good.

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? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • The academics (challenging and different)
  • The culture (people were very friendly and the way of life was more laid-back)
  • The social scene ('nights out' were cheap and fun)
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing specific to the university
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I don't think there is anything I wish I knew before because I researched everything quite extensively.